Sunday, December 14
And when he had taken some bread and given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them saying, "This is my body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of me."
—Luke 22:19
And at this time of year, the whole thing takes on a new dimension for me. Coming together to receive and become the Body of Christ is like visiting Jesus at the manger, being close, letting God come within me and grow. I find in the bread and wine something that takes me directly to God and opens me to the grace and mercy that so freely flow from God's love.
As we walk closer and closer to Bethlehem, how does God feed you? Where in your journey is the bread of life coming down like manna from heaven, surprising you by its freshness, tenderness, and wholeness? Where are you looking for the bread of heaven in your daily walk?
In our journey with God, communion ultimately is all about the journey as the Body of Christ, not just the literal bread and wine we receive. God in Christ gives himself fully to us, broken yet redeemed, crucified yet resurrected, that we might also experience new life and give ourselves away to God's world.
As you make your way to the manger, ask yourself
- where is God feeding me?
- am I giving thanks for all that God is giving?
- am I trusting in this manna from heaven in times of famine?
- how might I see the gift of God more clearly?
God, you give your very self to me, surprising me each day with manna from heaven; let me see you more clearly and give myself to you fully; help me be the Body of Christ to your world. Amen.
