Thursday, December 18, 2008

The Great "Reunion" on Christmas Day-The Reason for the Season



Recently as we were driving in the car, my 8 year old daughter said to me. "Mom, do you know anyone who has "reunion" before they open their presents on Christmas?"

I just looked at her a bit confused by what she was trying to say. "I am not sure what you mean, Deborah."

"You know, mom, REUNION," she repeated (as if I should absolutely know what she meant), "With the bread and wine. When we remember what Jesus did for us? My friend told me that her family has that before they open their presents on Christmas- I thought we could try it."

"Oh, " I exclaimed, feeling touched by her innocence and amused all at the same time."You mean communion! That is a great idea! Sure we can."

That whole exchange with my daughter really got me thinking about communion, how it really is a "reunion", and how fitting it is for a Christmas celebration. As Jesus did in his last meal with the disciples, we partake of the bread and wine to remember his sacrifice for us.

Then Jesus took some bread. He thanked God for it and broke it and gave it to the apostles. Then Jesus said.

"This bread is my body that I am giving for you. Do this to remember me."


In the same way, after supper, Jesus took the cup and said,

"This cup shows the new agreement that God makes with his people. The new agreement begins with my blood that is poured out for you."
Luke 22:19-20-
How appropriate this act would be to bring us back to the true reason that we celebrate Christmas! While it is so easy to get caught up in the gifts, the parties, the decorations and the festivities of the season, getting right with the Lord and bringing ourselves back to him, in an act of "reunion" is so fitting for Christmas day.

God's prefect gift of his Son, Jesus is the best gift of all. This season, talk to your kids about Jesus, the child in a manger; but also about Jesus, the man and Son of God. Through his sacrifice and we are able to experience a "reunion" with our Father in heaven. What a gift! Whether it is your custom to celebrate communion or not, focusing on the gift that God gave in his Son is a great way to kick off your day this Christmas!

"For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son so that whoever believes in him shall not perish, but have everlasting life.
"

John 3:16

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful idea. It makes the day even more special.

Mel said...

from the mouths of babes :)

lynnmosher said...

What a great post! And what a great idea! I'm so glad I got to read this. May you and your family enjoy celebrating a great reunion!

Chelsea Van Tol said...

thank you for the compliments! you have a lovely blog :)

Tishia said...

I think Christmas is the perfect day to do 'reunion' on. I love it when kids are trying to say something so important but they use the wrong word. LOL

Deb Burton said...

Your idea is such a great one, I posted a link to it from my site and I'm encouraging my readers to use it for their Christmas. Thanks for sharing it!

 
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