Fireworks and Communion?

Fireworks?  It was the first Sunday of the month.  I sat in the  pew waiting for the bread to be passed to me like so many first Sundays in   my life.  I noticed the video playing on the sanctuary screens-silent fireworks.  Now that's a unique communion interlude!

The gospel writer Mark in chapter14 verses 12-26 shares the details of the very first communion service.  Jesus' disciples knew it was the first day of Passover and asked Him where He wanted to go for the traditional supper.  "As you walk along, there will be a man coming toward you carrying a pot of water.  Follow him.  When he gets to the house tell the man in charge and he will get the room ready."

Mark relates the familiar sequence of the dinner that is so like our first Sunday.  Jesus passes bread and tells them it's His Body and to eat it.  Then  He took a cup of wine, gives thanks to God and gave it to them to drink.  His blood poured out for many.

Modern communion services include a few moments of personal evaluation.  The first communion service did also.  Jesus announced that one of them would betray Him.  Each disciple wondered if it was himself.

I love firework displays.  I've watched synchronized music and fireworks in stadiums with 40,000 people and I've watched in my driveway alone in a lawn chair.  It's a personal experience for me.  I don't talk about them.  I enjoy being overwhelmed by the surprise, the beauty and the short life of the burst.  I just "oh and ah".  I anticipate the "thwunk"  when the rocket is launched and search the sky for the burst and follow the shimmer as it disappears.

This recent first Sunday made me think that fireworks and communion have more in common than I first thought.

1.  Fireworks and communion celebrate new agreements.  John Adams expressed his enthusiasm for the Declaration of Independence in a letter to his wife, Abigail. He thought the new agreement  of the  patriots should be commemorated with a Day of Devotion.  The Day should include acts of devotion to God, pomp and parade, shews, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires and illuminations.  Thus he is credited with fireworks on the 4th of July. The Living Bible paraphrases the familiar "new covenant" of Jesus' blood as a new agreement between God and man.

2.  Fireworks and communion cause us to reflect on sacrifice.  The founding patriots worked, planned and shed blood to establish this country.  God, Himself, came to show us His plan to establish a relationship with humans.  Jesus sacrificed His blood so I could experience life worth living.

3.  Fireworks and communion commemorate freedom.  The founding patriots revolted against the ruling government so they could govern their own free country. Jesus was the original revolutionary.  He led us into a life of freedom from the tyranny and bondage of sin.  Through His life and sacrifice I have the privilege to live life with hope.

July 4, 2016 changed my thinking on communion.  My next communion service I am going to  "Oooh and aaah" at the magnitude of Jesus' sacrifice on my behalf and His gift to me of a life of freedom.  Let Real Freedom Ring!