Come To the Table

by Shelly Erickson

Sweet Amy, a kindergartner, came home from school one day and while sitting at the kitchen table, her mom asked, "What did you do in school today?" Without missing a beat Amy said, "We had communion!" Perplexed, her mom asked her what she meant. Amy said, "Well, Jacob and Bryce got into a fight. The teacher made them sit down and talk. They said they were sorry to each other and then we had morning snack - graham crackers and milk!"

Amy, all of 5 years old was not old enough to have received communion "instruction." She wouldn't have known about the words, "elements - bread and wine." She wouldn't have understood the word "ritual" represents confession and forgiveness. More importantly, Amy did understand what happens when we come to the table. Amy was living the promise and gift of Holy Communion while sitting at the table with her friends, Bryce and Jacob.

Amy, in her innocence, gets it. She so simply and beautifully explains the ritual and gift of Holy Communion. 

• Someone hurt someone's feelings - sin.
• The little friends sat down and talked about it - confession
• They both said they were sorry - forgiveness
• They sat down at the table and celebrated this renewed friendship with graham crackers and milk - Communion

Come! You're invited. Come to the table and see through Amy's eyes - receive forgiveness and let's celebrate!

-- Shelly