Next week will see us at the start of Lent, the journey which leads us into Easter. For this final week of thinking about Worship, we’ll focus on the Sacraments. A Sacrament is often described as a visible sign of God’s invisible grace. The Church of Scotland recognises two Sacraments, both instituted by Jesus himself.
The Sacrament of Baptism: Jesus was baptised by John in the river Jordan at the start of his ministry and his final instruction to his disciples was 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.’ (Matthew 28; 19 – 20)
In Baptism, we use water as the visible sign of God’s love and grace. In Baptism a person, whether child or adult, becomes part of the Universal Church, part of God’s Covenant people. The water also signifies dying to sin and rising to new life with Christ. We baptise children, believing that God’s promises are for all people regardless of age. It is the task of the parents and the congregation to give them a Christian upbringing, so that, in time, they will confirm the promises made on their behalf in Baptism.
The Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper: This was instituted by Jesus as he ate the last supper with his disciples shortly before his death. 22 And as they were eating, he took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to them, and said, “Take; this is my body.” 23 And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, and they all drank of it. 24 And he said to them, “This is my blood of the[c] covenant, which is poured out for many. 25 Truly, I say to you, I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.” (Mark 14; 22 – 25)
In the visible signs of bread and wine, God forgives us and makes us one with God and with one another. Although Communion is a feast of joy, we Presbyterians take our joy seriously and our formal Communions, which usually take place four times a year, are quite solemn affairs. We celebrate Communion more informally on other occasions.
Blessings!
Anne
Greetings from Currie Kirk - 9th February 2024