I am really looking forward to tonight.  For the last few months, my wife and I have celebrated Sabbath on Sunday – in that we have taken a break from our normal routine in grind.  Up until now though, it has been very selfish in nature.  It was of the idea that we were taking time to be with God, but we did not really dedicate to him in any way.  Today is going to be different though.

Tonight, we are celebrating a Sabbath and communion meal at our house.  There will be several blessings that we will go through, including lighting candles, telling the story of our slavery and freedom, blessing the wine and bread and oil and others.  If it works (and I’m sure it will take some time to get used to), I plan on making it a weekly rhythm in my family and household’s life. 

After the meal, the remainder of the evening and the next day will be filled great with joy and peace.  Namely, we will be doing a lot of things that bring us joy, rest and life.  That could be enjoying a nice cup of Japanese Green tea, taking a dog for a walk in their spiked dog collar and these, enjoying a book, riding bikes, watching tv, praying, worshiping, eating, sleeping, having sex – whatever.  

We are reminded on the Sabbath that we are God’s people – saved from slavery because of his mercy.  We remember Christ’s body broken and the blood that covers are sins.  And we rejoice in the resurrection and the kingdom of God to come.  The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the sabbath, and I plan to start living in this truth.