I am re-purposing this message, initially published here in the News in January 2015 and is included in my first book. It is so relevant this year that I just have to share again.
On the first Sunday of each year, my family gathers, as we have for many years, to celebrate “old” or in my case, Ukrainian Christmas. This year, 2020 it will be on Jan. 5, as that’s when will be able to gather as a family. By this, I mean we enjoy a family supper at my mom’s home, sharing traditional Ukrainian food. We will not have the 12 meatless dishes that represent the Apostles, but we will prepare perogies, cabbage rolls, and borsht, using very ordinary and basic ingredients, guided by original family recipes from my paternal grandparents. This get together is part tradition, part time to give thanks as a closely knit family, and it also serves as a celebration and reminder to remain proud of my heritage, and a time of fond remembrance of my earthly father, Stan.
As I thought of this, I could not help reflecting on the parallels as we gather to share communion. When Jesus gathered his disciples for what we know as the last supper, they shared food. It also was very ordinary and basic, bread, and drink. In Luke, 22:19 NIV. And He took the bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them saying “This is My body given for you; do this in remembrance of Me”. They would only realize much later, just what He was telling them. Whenever we gather to share food, may it be a reminder that this too, is communion. As we speak Jesus’ name in all things, let us be reminded to give thanks for the heritage He has gifted to us, and always be in fond remembrance of the presence of our Heavenly Father.
As we begin 2020, please take a few moments and give thanks in your own way to the blessings of the previous year. Some of you have suffered through your own health or financial crisis. Some have had their heart broken by the passing of a loved one. Some have married, and others welcomed a new addition to the family. Through all of this, if you are reading this message, you are alive. That is in itself a gift from God. It should tell you that He has a wonderful plan for your life, Jeremiah 29:11. Start your own tradition of thanks for everything that comes your way, and share that with everyone. Break bread with friends and family and let God provide as He always has.
Mike Shindruk
Master’s Hand Ministry
