On the first Sunday of each year, my family gathers, as we
have for many years, to celebrate “old” or in my case, Ukrainian Christmas.
This year, 2020 it will be on Jan 5th, as that’s when will be able
to gather as a family. By this, I mean we enjoy a family supper at my mom’s
home, sharing traditional Ukrainian food. We will not have the twelve meatless
dishes that represent the Apostles, but we will prepare perogies, cabbage
rolls, and borsht, using very ordinary and basic ingredients, guided by original
family recipes from my paternal grandparents. This get together is part
tradition, part time to give thanks as a closely knit family, and it also
serves as a celebration and reminder to remain proud of my heritage, and a time
of fond remembrance of my earthly father, Stan.
As I thought of this, I could not help reflecting on the
parallels as we gather to share communion. When Jesus gathered his disciples
for what we know as the last supper, they shared food. It also was very
ordinary and basic, bread, and drink. In Luke, 22:19 NIV. And He took the
bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them saying “ This is My body
given for you; do this in remembrance of Me”. They would only realize much
later, just what He was telling them. Whenever we gather to share food, may it
be a reminder that this too, is communion. As we speak Jesus’ name in all
things, let us be reminded to give thanks for the heritage He has gifted to us,
and always be in fond remembrance of the presence of our Heavenly Father.
As we begin 2020, please take a few moments and give thanks
in your own way to the blessings of the previous year. Some of you have
suffered through your own health or financial crisis. Some have had their heart
broken by the passing of a loved one. Some have married, and others welcomed a
new addition to the family. Through all of this, if you are reading this
message, you are alive. That is in itself a gift from God. It should tell you
that He has a wonderful plan for your life, Jeremiah 29:11. Start your own
tradition of thanks for everything that comes your way, and share that with
everyone. Break bread with friends and family and let God provide as He always
has.
Mike Shindruk
www.mastershandministry.blogspot.com
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