Do This in Memory of Me (Christmas Communion Service)

At the Christmas communion service, this passage deals with the meaning of the Lord's Supper, which Jesus instituted on the night he was arrested by giving his disciples bread and wine. It makes clear that Jesus came to this earth in the flesh so that God's covenant would be fulfilled, and that his death on the cross was also part of that plan. Unlike the Jews, who thought they were made clean by the blood of a lamb, Jesus declared that his own body and blood are the true means of salvation, forgiving sin once for all and establishing the new covenant.

The sermon stresses that communion is not a mere ritual but an important act of remembering and proclaiming Jesus' death, resurrection and return. Through the bread and wine, believers must grasp the heart of Jesus, repent of their sins and come before the Lord. It also says that in striving to keep the Law we realize our need for Jesus Christ, and that this brings believers true peace. Making clear that, unlike the Catholic doctrine of transubstantiation, communion does not become the body of Christ but is an act of remembering him, it urges believers to take care not to resist the Holy Spirit.

It asks how, as God's children, we can enjoy peace without fear in the fast pace of the world. As we meditate deeply on the Lord's grace through communion, what should our attitude be as we look to God, who helps us live as more beautiful believers?