Celebrate

Children are invited to gather around 
the altar during the Great Thanksgiving. 

I must have grinned ear to ear along with those gathered around me when we witnessed the pastor, my husband, scoop up this child so that he could see what was happening at the altar. Every move the presiding pastor made, he watched intently. When it was time to pray, he folded his hands in prayer. When the pastor lifted her arms in blessing, he did the same.

Years ago, I served in a congregation where a clergy couple also served on the staff. Matthew, the child of this couple was just two years old, like this child, when he asked his mother while standing at the communion rail if he could "eat a blessing" like everyone else. This was during the days when only those who had been confirmed were permitted to partake of the Lord's Supper. But, Matthew's ability to verbalize what was happening around the table was spot on.

Eat a blessing. Drink a blessing.

It's a party of blessings to which Jesus invites us and all are welcome.

That is something to celebrate.