There's a concept here in Nehemiah we might be able to translate to our celebration of the Lord's sacrifice during communion. The people have assembled for the reading of the law. Apparently convicted of their sin they cry during the reading of God's word. They are told not to mourn but to celebrate.
Then Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who were instructing the people said to them all, "This day is sacred to the Lord your God. Do not mourn or weep." For all the people had been weeping as they listened to the words of the Law.
Nehemiah said, "Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength."
Maybe sitting in quiet solemnity isn't the only way to celebrate the Lord's supper? Yes, we mourn our sinfulness that required Christ to give His life on the cross. But shouldn't we also be jubilant because of what Christ's death, burial and resurrection means to us. Sometimes I fear we're more expressive, excited and emotional over a dramatic touchdown for our favorite team.
Is there any greater show of respect in our culture than to stand and applaud someone or cheer him or her?
I'm also a fan of the Feast of Tabernacles. There's just something about a religious observance that required the people to raise a tent and live in it that I like (ok, so they were more like booths, but temporary dwellings anyway). It was to commemorate God's providing for them as they wandered in the wilderness. They lived in tents. Even God lived in a tent.
I thinking living in a tent -- having few of the amenities of modern life around you -- puts you in a place where you are more subjected to the elements and more aware of God's provision. This year the Feast of Tabernacles is from sunset on October 13th to Sunset on October 20th.
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