For: The Institute Of Contemporary And Emerging Worship Studies, St. Stephen’s University, Essentials Red Fall ‘08 Online Worship Theology Course with Dan Wilt.
In most Christian worship services, the spoken word (reading of scripture, public prayer, liturgical responses, the sermon, singing) is the primary expression of our faith. But humans seem to have a need to express their beliefs in ways other than the spoken word; specifically, through actions (sign-acts).
Historically, the church has been a center of creative arts which express the story of the Christian faith. Examples of architecture, painting, sculpture, music, and other art forms are found throughout church history. Craftsmen and artisans have used their talents to glorify God in beautiful, and often awe-inspiring ways to tell the story of religion.
How do us “mere mortals,” who have little in the way of artistic abilities, get to express our worship in ways other than words or art? How can we portray our beliefs, our telling of the story? The church has developed traditions, which over time, help us to remember what God has done for us, and when we partake in these traditions, a spiritual communication seems to take place between the individual and God and among the community of believers who share in the traditions.
What does the tradition, or as some feel the sacrament, of sharing in the Lord’s Supper mean? It is not my intent to define the many doctrinal positions on communion (Eucharist). As a Christ-follower, what does it mean to you? In 1 Corinthians 11:17-34, the apostle Paul tells us to examine ourselves, so I find the action of communion to be one of repentance remembering that Jesus gave up His life, His flesh and blood, for the forgiveness of sin. He died with my sin poured out on Him.
The Bible tells us to give honor to whom honor is due. For me, partaking in communion demonstrates my honor for Him. And, I also enjoy pledging myself anew to Him. I remember the Hebrew betrothal banquet when the bridegroom places a cup of wine for the “bride to be.” He then waits to see if she will accept his offer of marriage by picking up the cup and drinking from it. When I take the cup, even without speaking a single word, I am saying to Jesus, “Yes, I am yours.”
Taking part in traditions, in ceremony, in celebrations, in sacraments allows us as believers to give action to what is in our hearts. If the individual’s heart is not engaged in the tradition, the motions are meaningless and it would be better to not take part. We are approaching the season of new beginnings in the church as we prepare for and celebrate the incarnation at Christmas. It is a season where we can be lost in and overwhelmed by the traditions, or we can engage with them. When engaged in them, we may find a new spiritual beginning, a new spiritual communication with God and with the community with which we share the traditions.
