So far this month, I’ve angled the Christian Writers’ theme "celebrate" to cover America’s birthday (Hooray for the Red White and Blue), RSVP (repent, be saved, voice praise and pray to save your spot in the heavenly shindig), and Celebrate Your Weirdness.
What unique angle to this theme could possibly be left in a month filled with so many awesome posts by my talented and wonderful Christian Writer colleagues? Please read their posts by clicking on the links on the right-hand column.
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All month long, one song has been running through my head—"Celebrate Good Times" by Kool and the Gang. Fortunately, that song reminds me of Jesus.
In Christianity, one of our most sacred and precious practices—taught us by Jesus himself in Luke 22—is the sacrament of Holy Communion. Even the word "communion" implies that we should do it with other Christians; just as we participate also with the Holy Spirit. This sacrament is variously referred to in Christian doctrine as the "Celebration of the Eucharist," the "Celebration of the Lord’s Supper;" and the "Celebration of Holy Communion."
It is a celebration. Jesus’ sacrifice was horrible. But that sacrifice was a wonderful thing for us and for our eternal souls. It is the perfect reason to celebrate—to show our gratitude—to sing praises to our amazing God.
Don’t be surprised if you’re in church one day and, as the communion tray passes, you hear humming…or even soft singing. You might even start it.
There's a party goin' on right here
(wherever two or more Christians are gathered in His name)
A celebration to last throughout the years
(throughout eternity)
So bring your good times, and your laughter too
(our joy is an offering to Him)
We’re gonna celebrate your party with you.
(It’s Jesus’ party and we’re all invited.)
So…
Everyone around the world come on!
If you want to follow along with Kool and the Gang, here they are. Kool & The Gang Sing loud! It’s even OK to dance!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, you give us daily reasons to celebrate. But we thank you most of all, Jesus, for your sacrifice—the best reason to celebrate our future with you. Please remind us during those silent, somber moments at your Table, that we are there in gratitude to celebrate your gift. Amen.
WHAT ABOUT YOU? During communion, do you focus on gratitude, joy, or the solemnity of the reminder of what Jesus did for us? Or all of the above?
5 comments:
I focus on all three, gratitude, joy and the solemnity of the reminder of what Jesus did for us at communion.
But for the remainder of this day I will now have Kool and the Gang jingling in my head...
Celebrate good times come on!!!
hee hee, thanks Carol :)
@ Chris - welcome to my world. I've been singing that song ALL MONTH! Next month I'll be attaching myself to Barbra Streisand's muse, singing "Memories," per our CW theme.
Wow, I'm impressed. You had three different slants on this and they were all done well. In fact, my toes were tapping to the beat of that song! ;-)
Thanks Carol :) I love that song you mentioned and have "partied" to it on more than one occasion:) Wonderful twist on the topic. I am sure Kool and the Gang never considered the possibility of a Praising God when they sang the song, but everything that has breath - praise the Lord!
Amen and Amen - It's the thoughts and intentions of the heart what the words of a song mean - So with a joyful heart - I say ; We're gonna have a good time tonight, com' on - Let's celebrate -it's alright. Peace and Blessings!!
@ Terrie - your comments made me smile. You're right that our thoughts and intentions can turn anything into an act of praise and worship!
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