Expert: John of AllFaith - 12/23/2007

Question
Hello Sir,bless you for serving such a wide audience!
My question is this. My wife has belonged to a certain American Baptist church since childhood, I joined shortly after we were married. For that last 18 years and 4 differnet pastors we have had Communion with Christmas Eve services, our new Pastor of two years and a childhood friend of my wife's and former member of the same church as a child, does not do this and I can't understand why. Can I and what do I need to do to hold communion in my own home as head of the household for my family and our guests on Christmas Eve?

Answer
Hi Mark,

Many pastors don't offer communion at Christmas as it is the day to remember the birth rather than the death. Its a matter of personal/congregational preference. When I was pastoring I didn't give communion on Christmas either.

As for holding your own communion, any Believer can do this. Indeed, it can be a most wonderful rite for the rite any time.
There are no hard and fast rules governing this. You can make it your own so it will be most meaningful for your people. If you have kids they can take part by passing out the cup(s) and bread, singing songs etc. Here's a sample.

Generally Baptist communion services are rather straight forward.

You will need:

Any clean space. You can included a Bible, a cross, candles, etc. to make it look more holy if you wish but this is not necessary.

Pour enough red wine or grape juice for one good drink into glasses (cups etc).

The more biblical method is to use a single cup and have everyone pass it around. If you pass a single glass you (the celebrant) should take last and finish whatever is left.
Most Baptists however pass out separate cups.

Also, even though the Bible specifically says wine was used, Baptists have traditionally maintained that the drink was grape juice. This is your choice.

You can use any UNLEAVENED bread (including making your own matsa). Place your bread, crackers etc on a plate. Note: Christians are not as specific as Jews as to how to make matsa. Special flour (kemach shel matza shamura) is not required. Any simple recipe that does not include leaven is fine.

Now,
A. Explain to those present that you will be celebrating the Lord's Supper (Communion or whatever you prefer to call it). The only requirement I ever include for who may take is the person's desire, although I explain that the Lord's Supper is for those who have accepted Jesus. If you have requirements state them here.

B. Encourage everyone to take a moment for reflection or personal confession.

C. Pray and ask God's blessing on the rite. Often one waves one's hands over the wine and bread during the request for blessing.

D. Read the following out loud (or you can say it in your own words):

Luke 22:14 When the hour had come, he [Jesus] sat down with the twelve apostles.
15 He said to them, "I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer,
16 for I tell you, I will no longer by any means eat of it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God."

E. At this point you might share what the Supper means to you, explain how Jesus will return and establish the Kingdom etc.

17 He received a cup, and when he had given thanks, he said, "Take this, and share it among yourselves,
18 for I tell you, I will not drink at all again from the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God comes."

F. Pass out the wine and bread (but no one takes yet)

19 He took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and gave to them, saying, "This is my body which is given for you. Do this in memory of me."

G. Wait while everyone takes the bread.

20 He took the cup in like manner after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood, that which is poured out for you.

H. Wait while everyone takes the wine/grape juice.

I. Say a prayer of thanksgiving

J. Dismiss your people or whatever you wish.

Hope this helps,
~John of AllFaith