Celebration

Every time you eat this bread and drink this cup, you are announcing the Lord’s death until he comes again.

1 Corinthians 11:26

THE ORGAN PLAYED softly as ushers walked down the aisle. The church lighting was dimmed, and the sober atmosphere was somewhat like a funeral. Everyone looked down as he or she took a tiny wafer and quietly passed the plate to the next person. The pastor led the congregants to focus on their sin. They pictured the horrible, painful death of Christ on the cross before partaking of the bread and wine.

In another church, it was also Communion Sunday, only this church referred to the act as the “Celebration of the Lord’s Supper.” Tables were filled with laughing people in the bright, cheery fellowship hall. They passed around fresh-baked focaccia bread topped with some of their favorite ingredients. The church members rejoiced as they talked about how much Jesus loved them and how they could celebrate because he had risen from the dead.

Two churches practicing the same sacrament, each with a different tone and focus. Which was more biblical?

Neither! When we celebrate the Lord’s Supper, it is appropriate to take time to reflect. It’s fitting to think about the pain and agony Christ suffered. We should think about our lives and measure to see if we’re living in a way that is worthy of Christ’s death.

And we should also celebrate that Christ is no longer in the grave. He not only died for our sins but also rose, proving he’s victorious over sin. And someday he’ll return to us, freeing us from the payment of eternal death, to lead us to an eternal celebration with him.

Next time you take Communion, remember to reflect and to rejoice!