Today’s Bible readings can be found here: Psalm 113:1-9 and Mark 14:17-31.

Mark 14:22 While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take it; this is my body.” (NIV)

            One of the highlights of the holidays for most folks takes place at the dinner table. I love it when my family is gathered together for a traditional Christmas meal and we get to catch up with one another. It’s a beautiful festive time, but it also becomes sacramental to me. We’re making a special memory and creating a unique moment in each of our lives. As the years go by, precious times like Christmas dinners will become holy remembrances for a couple of generations.

            When Jesus initiated communion, He was sharing a sacred moment that has continued for almost two thousand years. As He spoke those special words and distributed the bread and wine, Jesus was creating a fixed time in history that will never be forgotten and cannot be erased. So long as human beings celebrate Christmas and Easter, the words of Jesus will be spoken and shared until that wonderful moment when He will return among us to usher in God’s everlasting kingdom throughout the Earth and invite us all to come to His table.

            Wherever you are in this new season of Christmas which lasts until Epiphany – January 6th – may Christ’s loving spirit abide in your hearts and homes, and be shared with your family and friends.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, fill us with Your peace and love. Enable us to hopefully and joyfully share it with our loved ones and all whom we encounter during this season of goodwill. In Your Holy name, we thankfully pray. Amen.

Today’s image is one of John’s latest Christmas drawings called “Long Ago.” If you would like to view a larger version, please click here.