Every Sunday we remember the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus by taking communion.
Before the bread, representing Jesus' body, and the grape juice, representing His blood, are offered, one of the men of the congregation draws our attention to the importance of this weekly ritual by offering some communion thoughts.
These include scripture readings and a prayer which very often includes asking God to help us block out the distractions of the world and focus on the gift He, in His lovingkindness, has given us.
During this time, I have often felt frustrated or guilty about my little ones making soft cooing baby noises or telling me in a loud whisper, "Look! I wrote a 'K'" or rustling their Bible class papers.
It's hard to block that kind of thing out when it is happening on your very own pew and your toes are being stepped on for the seventh time.
Then, one Sunday, I realized that Jesus died for these "distractions" too. He rose and reigns at the right hand of God so little toe stompers may one day claim Him as Savior and anticipate eternal life with Him in heaven.
Ever since that realization, I have taken comfort in the knowledge that even though they may be wiggly and inconvenient when trying to "block out distractions", I am glad to have my children see what communion is about each week.
How sweet to hold
A newborn baby
And feel the pride
And joy he gives
But greater still
The calm assurance
This child can face
Uncertain days
Because He lives.
Because He lives
I can face tomorrow
Because He lives
All fear is gone
Because I know
He holds the future
And life and is worth the living
Just because He lives.
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Communion Thoughts
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4 comments:
That is one of my very favorite hymns. I also love how your church does comunion every week.
we celebrate communion every week at my church also ~ and I love to use the time between the congregational prayer until the trays reach our row to pray for my children's salvation.
I am afraid I was overly "strict" when my older kids were smaller on how to behave during communion time. They know this is the one time where I need there to be absolute silence. I have no problem when it is other peoples children, it doesn't bother me. It does with my own children though. Maybe I am afraid they are distracting someone else.
Angela
What a very sweet and true thought that Jesus died, too, for our wiggly ones. I'm sure He is smiling down on your little distractions.
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