Family Keepsakes
Many of us have been given items by family members or other special people in our lives as expressions of their love for us, as well as to serve as keepsakes ... helping us to remember the person and his or her love and life.
My parents died two months to the day from one another. It was very difficult to say goodbye to both of them within such a short period of time. We were very close. I loved them dearly ... deeply ... they had given up so much to express their love for me over the years. I could never repay them for all they sacrificed, nor would they want me to. But I will remember, as long as I live, all they did and how they loved.
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"but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8 ESV |
Some of the things my parents intentionally gave to me as gifts are cherished, and I would not want to part with them. Other things were kind of random objects which I received upon their deaths. I have two of their bath towels which I remember from years and years ago, and I have had them for an additional seventeen years now. They are not at all pretty due to their age, but I keep them and use them because ... because they belonged to my mom and dad ... and they help me to remember. And they help me to feel closer to my parents.
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"and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, “This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” 1 Corinthians 11:24 ESV |
It’s interesting that when Jesus and His disciples were eating the Passover meal, with both the bread and the cup ... one representing His body, and the other His blood ... when He asked them to eat and drink, He said, “Do this in remembrance of me.” They would soon learn the connection ... and they would soon realize that He wanted them to continue doing what He began until He would return for all who love Him.
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"No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father.” John 10:18 ESV |
So we, the Church ... His Bride ... hold onto the bread and the cup as keepsakes ... and by doing so, we remember His sacrificial love for us ... until He comes again. It is not to be a religious ritual ... but a love response to His request ... “Remember me ... and how much I love you. I will be back.”
© 2023 Connie Caston McMaster All rights reserved