The Family Table
Over the next few days, most of us will sit down at a table to gorge ourselves on some of the best food in the world. Those with large families remember the chaos, the tastes and smells, the storytelling and the outbursts of laughter from growing up. Those meals seemed to take forever when we were kids. Later on, they were more enjoyable but still seemed to go on and on. Now, I’d give anything to go back and have just one of those times again. Mama’s cooking. Everybody there. It could go on all day . . . I wouldn’t care.
Though the food was tasty, it’s the people I miss. Years after my mom passed away, Miriam and I recounted all the food she prepared and how much time it must have taken. Three or four homemade cakes (including a fresh fruitcake you can’t even imagine!), pies, individually decorated Christmas cookies, toasted pecans, homemade fudge . . . hours and hours of work, all for those precious minutes around the table.
Eating with people was a big deal for Jesus. His meals with sinners, tax collectors and Pharisees get all the attention. But maybe his most special meals were with his community . . . his family. When his fate was sealed, his death imminent, Jesus got together with the twelve for a meal . . . the Passover feast . . . arguably the most special meal of the year. He invited them in to his coming death, to his suffering and to a new covenant relationship. They didn’t get it at the time. They didn’t know it was the Last Supper. They couldn’t get their arms around what was about to happen, even though he’d told them several times. They knew it was special but I doubt they really grasped the uniqueness of those moments.
As we come together for Christmas dinner this year, remember how unique these moments are. You’ll never be this age again. Your kids and grandkids won’t be the same next year. And as sad and scary as it is to say, this may be the last Christmas table for someone in your family. Focus on each person. Listen to their words and their hearts. Engage in conversation. Be fully present and savor the moments.
As I study the banquet table image above (Michael Belk’s “RSVP,” see note at bottom) . . . as I look at the faces of the people in Jesus’ family, I realize how blessed I am to be in a family and community of like-hearted Jesus followers. As I look at the tuxedo-dressed men behind the balustrade, I’m reminded of the ‘empty suit’ I was before Jesus found me, forgave me and redeemed my life.
Finally, I’m reminded that the Last Supper wasn’t the last meal Jesus shared with His family. He came back from the dead and shared breakfast on the beach, showing us that there is life after this life.
No matter our circumstances this Christmas, trust that Jesus will be waiting for us when we get home. There will be a big celebration, lots of great food, in a place so wonderful we can’t even imagine. And with Jesus and all the saints who’ve gone before us, gathered around the table of God’s family.
Scripture: When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. (John 14:3)
Mentor Tip: Encourage your guys to create, honor and sustain the ‘family table’ in their homes, not just for Christmas day but every possible day. Eating is a necessity but meeting this most basic of needs with the people we love creates a deep bond. Conversations around the family table offer some of the best moments to know and influence your kids.
Note: The featured image on this post is from Michael Belk’s collection, Journey’s with the Messiah. You can read more about Michael, this collection and view this and other images from the collection here: journeyswiththemessiah.org.
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Responses (1)
Thanks for this post, Regi. I’ve been thinking about all the stuff that needs to get done and the traveling/stress about to happen. Now I can’t wait to get around that table and focus on each person and listen for their hearts!