Communion functions as a living reminder that Christians live between two comings of Christ: it remembers his body broken and blood poured out for forgiveness while also looking forward to the day he will drink anew with his people in the Father’s kingdom, inviting the church to place hope in both what has been accomplished and what is yet to come. [53:44]
Matthew 26:26–29 (ESV)
Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. 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.”
Reflection: As you prepare for communion this week, name one specific loss or longing you will surrender to Christ and write one concrete action you will take in the next seven days that expresses living in the “in-between” hope — what are they?
The birth of Jesus fulfills a promise: the Messiah arrives to save people from their sins, reminding everyone that God keeps his promises and that the true hope of Christmas is not simply gifts but rescue from the power of sin. [21:24]
Matthew 1:21 (ESV)
She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.
Reflection: What one sin or pattern do you need Jesus to begin freeing you from today? Name it, pray and ask for his help now, and tell one trusted person who can hold you accountable this week.
The Advent hope candle points to the truth that in the midst of oppression, waiting, and darkness a great light has come; this symbol calls attention to Jesus as the light who breaks into suffering and promises restoration and guidance for those who trust him. [20:44]
Isaiah 9:2 (ESV)
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone.
Reflection: Identify one dark place (fear, loneliness, or injustice) in your life or in someone else’s life; tonight light a candle, pray Isaiah 9:2 over that situation, and commit to one practical step tomorrow to bring a bit of that light to that person.
Communion is also an invitation to bring current burdens and heaviness to Jesus—symbolically placing those struggles before God and asking for grace, strength, and renewal for the journey rather than carrying them alone. [58:03]
Matthew 11:28–30 (ESV)
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
Reflection: What is one heavy burden you carried into worship today? As you pray, state it aloud to God and decide one concrete next step (a phone call, a rest plan, a meeting with a friend or counselor) you will take within 48 hours to begin trusting Jesus with it.
Inviting children to light candles, pray, and participate in Advent practices hands on models faith for the next generation and helps families re-center Christmas around Jesus rather than just gifts, making faith a shared, simple rhythm in family life. [17:33]
Matthew 19:14 (ESV)
But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.”
Reflection: Will you set aside 15 minutes tonight to light an Advent candle with a child (your child, grandchild, neighbor, or a child you mentor), read Matthew 19:14, and ask them what they hope Jesus will be in their life?
We entered Advent by slowing our pace and lighting the first candle together—the candle of hope. With the kids up front, we remembered that centuries of longing in Israel culminated in a promised Child: “you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” That’s the shape of Christian hope—not wishful thinking, but trust that God keeps His promises in Jesus. We named the honest gap between what we want and what actually satisfies, and reminded our children (and ourselves) that even the “perfect present” grows old, but the hope of Christ does not.
Carlos shared beautifully about hope, and we carried that thread into communion. We read Jesus’ words, including the line we often skip: He will not drink of the vine again “until” He drinks it new with us in the Father’s kingdom. Advent is that word “until.” We live between the comings—looking back with gratitude to Bethlehem and looking forward with ache and anticipation to His return. Communion, then, is both remembrance and rehearsal; we remember His sacrifice and we practice our hope by bringing our present burdens to the table where He promises to meet us.
We also re-centered our December practices around Jesus through our Christmas Gift for Jesus offering—a simple way to resist the current of consumerism by budgeting generosity first. This year a portion will fund wells for communities of leprosy-affected families in Sri Lanka. Finally, we celebrated the grace of God among us with baptisms after the service, because the One who came still comes—saving, forming, and sending His people.
As you move through Advent, let this rhythm shape you: light a candle, name your longing, come to the table, and practice hope. Christ has come. Christ is present. Christ will come again.
Matthew 26:26–29 — 26 Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” 27 And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you, 28 for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. 29 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.”
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