The Candle of Communion

“I tell you I will not drink again of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom.” ---Jesus, Matthew 26:29

This evening, many brothers and sisters of the Church will share communion. We will break the bread and take the cup in remembrance of Christ’s body and blood. It is one way we encourage one another in faithfulness to Jesus, by remembering together His beautiful sacrifice.

As we walk this troubled earth and stumble into our gathering places, however we may be suffering, tonight we pause at the table. As we break the bread and place it in a brother’s hand or lift up a sister’s head to receive the drink, we find strength at the table. Because when we share this meal, we share a vision of our Bread of Life, our Living Water, our Blood Sacrifice. And when we see Him more clearly, we remember what He told us - that this meal is but a shadow of the feast to come.

So Sister and Brother, when communion ends tonight, may we be encouraged to persist in our journey here. For our hope is in our future joy when we will be guests at the King’s table, when we will delight in a banquet celebration that never ends, in the presence of our sweet Savior Himself!

“Dying saints take their leave of sacraments, and the other ordinances of communion which they enjoy in this world, with comfort, for the joy and glory they enter into supersede them all; when the sun rises, farewell the candles.” ---Matthew Henry