HOLIDAY FEASTS & THE PRESENCE OF GOD
Ahhh!!! It’s been weeks since I’ve posted. Not that I haven’t been thinking, but life keeps happening. Like this very second, I am sitting here nice and cozy at my breakfast table with a hot cup of cocoa sprinkled with nutmeg waiting for the “inspiration” to flow. When my hubby walks in asking if I know where his KC Chiefs hat is.
Really?! “Yes, honey, I think it’s in the front room.”
It’s been like that all day. I need a t-shirt that says, “Just because I’m quiet doesn’t mean I’m not thinking” or at least trying to think. Ha!!!!
This is the first week of advent and it comes upon the heels of Thanksgiving.
Thanksgiving is a time of reflection. It’s a time of gathering with friends and family to remember God’s blessings and to give thanks. Frankly, the giving of thanks portion gets short-changed as we romp through the woods at state parks, throw rocks in the lake, hover over hot stoves and play games.
Our thanks might not always be articulated in long prayers, but it does hover in the air!!!
There’s a feeling of excitement when each family arrives. The kids run to the vans to give hugs and help unload. We pull out our matching pjs, stock the fridge and lament the days when the cabins had silverware, pots and pans, and dishes.
Then the texts start flying. “Anybody bring a can opener? Who’s got extra cups? Does anyone have a cutting board??”
This year my brother-in-law got locked in his room when he went to change clothes. For some reason the lock on the door would not unlock. Fortunately, someone was in the cabin and heard his cries for help, and we ended up taking the door off the hinges.
Actually, I think it would’ve been more fun to get a photo of him crawling out the window, but don’t tell him. Ha!!!!
At the first Thanksgiving, the Pilgrims gave thanks to God for a bountiful harvest. They were joined by Indians who had become their new friends. They celebrated the goodness of God and shared a meal together.
Much like we still do today!!
Come to think of it, celebrating the goodness of God while feasting did not begin with the Pilgrims nor does it end with an American Thanksgiving dinner.
- And the LORD appeared to Abraham by the oaks of Mamre, as he sat at the door of his tent in the heat of the day. Abraham invites them to dinner and had Sarah prepare cakes. He selected a tender calf from the herd and served the food with curds and milk and set it before them. Genesis 18
- The LORD invites Moses, Aaron, his two sons, and the seventy elders to worship and dine with Him on Mount Sinai. The Bible tells us they went up the mountain and saw the God of Israel; and under His feet there appeared to be a pavement of sapphire, as clear as the sky itself. And they ate and drank in the presence of God. Ex. 24
- The LORD spoke to Moses after their departure from Egypt and gave appointed times when the people of Israel were to come together to worship the LORD and feast. These feasts are called “holy convocations.” The phrase is used nine times in Leviticus 23 and implies not just any get-together, but a sacred gathering because God Himself has called Israel to come together, and He will be in their midst.
- How interesting that the first miracle of Jesus in the New Testament takes place at a wedding feast!! Jesus joins in the celebration and provides the wine for the guests. God in their midst celebrating their marriage!!! John 2
And what is the kingdom of heaven like? Jesus said, it can be compared to a king who gave a wedding feast for his son. His servants called those who were invited, but they did not come. So, he sent his servants out into the highways to invite as many as they could find to come and fill the wedding hall with dinner guests. Matthew 22
Is it any wonder that in the sharing of a meal where God is present whether it is at Thanksgiving, Christmas, a wedding, or a simple meal at home; it fills our hearts with joy.
Crazy joy!!
A joy that transcends earthy stuff and points us to the eternal where one day we will feast with God and He will dwell with us!!