January 14, 2026

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing.”
Romans 15:13
 
“There’s a difference between serious and somber.” I still remember a seminary professor reminding us of that difference as we learned to serve communion and teach our congregations about the meaning and mystery of it. They reminded us that it’s neither a funeral for Jesus, nor a reminder of his sacrificial death only. We call it the Eucharist and Great Thanksgiving because ultimately, Christ is remembered for his life, death, and resurrection. It is meant to be received and celebrated with joy. In other words, we can receive it seriously without being somber.
 
This Sunday, as I always do, whether serving or observing, I watched as my congregation came forward for bread and cup. One little girl was barely containing her usual exuberance. Whenever I play guitar on the church porch at preschool pickup, she comes by to dance and ask me questions. And in this holy moment, waiting behind an adult for her turn to receive bread, she gave two large jumps of joy and anticipation, smiling ear to ear. Now, I don’t know if it was purely excitement for the meal or because her mother was the elder serving the cup, but I do know she loves communion. And she set the example for all of us adults.
 
When we “celebrate,” communion in our service, especially when it’s with the frequency of monthly or weekly, I worry adults miss that joy. Whether we take it in little prepackaged single serve variety, or sliced crouton-sized squares, or tear messily from a fresh loaf, we can miss the mystery and miracle. I think nothing quite approximates the joy we should experience in that mystery and gift than children receiving the elements. They choose the biggest pieces and tear the biggest chunks. They savor the little cups or plunge their fingers into the cup like it’s an Oreo being baptized in milk.
 
The enthusiasm of children and delight puts our solemnity to shame. It’s a holy reminder that Christ asks to be remembered in the messiness of a meal and not a sterile snack. When they bound down the aisle, whisper their questions at full volume in the pew, and hop up and down at the plate and chalice, we should not only take delight in them, but emulate their joyful hearts. Perhaps a little more dancing, a little more giggling, and a little more enthusiasm in savoring the bread of life and cup of salvation can be found in the reckless joy of they cannot contain.
 
Prayer
 
Lord, make my heart reckless for receiving your love in the meal of bread and cup and my joy as deep and effervescent as that of the children I invite to the table. Amen.

Rev. Brian Daoust