We can make the Sabbath a delight.
I have loved the shift I have felt in the way that we talk about the Sabbath. When I was growing up, the emphasis seemed to be so much on the list of things we couldn’t or shouldn’t do on the Sabbath. Now it feels more like an invitation for how to recognize the Sabbath as a gift from God in which our heart can delight.
Two of the things I am most grateful for on the sabbath are the opportunity to gather with other saints to be edified and the privilege of renewing my covenants through partaking of the sacrament.
“Wherefore, he that preacheth and he that receiveth, understand one another, and both are edified and rejoice together” (D&C 50:22).
I think this is the reason the Lord wants us to gather. There is so much we can learn on our own but also so much we can only learn from each other. The spirit can give the teacher the exact words we need to hear. His spirit can be intensified with the faith of more individuals. We can strengthen each other. We can share our testimonies (which strengthens both the giver and receiver by giving the Spirit an opportunity to confirm the testimony as truth). We can learn from our differences and be inspired by other’s strengths and courage. And we can recognize needs the Lord desires us to fill.
There is so much we can do to better prepare the soil of our hearts to receive Christ each Sabbath as we gather.
The church has produced a beautiful video called I am the Bread of Life.
As I watched this video on Christ being the bread of life the thought came profoundly to my mind how eating the flesh of Christ and drinking His blood (as strange and confusing as it sounded to these people) is simply an indication to the Lord and a reminder to ourselves that we are not only acknowledging His sacrifice but are actually making it a part of us. We are receiving it. We are allowing Christ to literally become one with us.
Taking the sacrament weekly is important because it is an outward gesture that redirects our intentions. It reminds us that we are spiritual beings who are working on returning home. And that we are mortal fallible beings who need a Savior to get there. For me the Sacrament is a sacred time where I can do some honest introspection about where I’m at and what I need to work harder on. It is a special time of personal accountability between my Heavenly Father and me. I have received some very personal insights and also some very needed answers during this specially set apart time of the week. For me he sacrament and the Sabbath are a time for redirection, renewal, and recharge. Sunday is my favorite day of the week!
How is the sabbath a delight for you and your family? If there is a list you focus on with your kids, I hope it is a list of all the wonderful good things we get to do on the sabbath. This list of good ways to connect with the Lord and find true delight!
The Primary Manual for Come Follow Me is perfect for families with young children!
March week 3: March 13–19. Matthew 11–12; Luke 11: “I Will Give You Rest” (churchofjesuschrist.org)
Click on the images below to print out these FREE coloring pages from Rising Moon Adventures that I created to go with this lesson:
Primary Insights for Come Follow Me videos –
(46) Rising Moon Adventures Scripture Story Time – YouTube
Song 1: Overwhelmed
Song 2: Here I Am to Worship by Hillsong
