The celebration of the Holy Communion (The Eucharist, Lord’s Supper) in the Christian church is one of the most sacred of all activities that takes place in the Body of Christ.  It is the second ordinance that we observe as Christians and particularly, as Baptists.  The first ordinance that we adhere to as Baptists is Baptism by immersion.  Jesus shared this memorial meal with His closest followers on the night He was betrayed (by one of His disciples) into the hands of the Roman government.  This meal was also celebrated in the home of Mary, the mother of John Mark.  The same Mark who would later write the second gospel.

The early church did not worship in fine buildings such as we have today.  They worshipped in real homes. They worshipped from house to house. They shared not a symbolic meal but a real meal.  In those homes were children and as always at mealtime, the children had their share.  They may have eaten earlier, later on or in another room, but they had their share.

We also offer our children a share in our celebration of Christ’s love.  We offer our children the white seedless grape.  Theologically speaking, we do not offer our children the “red bruised” grape.  The “red bruised” grape represents Jesus’ body which was bruised for our iniquities and His blood which was shed for our sins.  However, we offer the “white seedless grape” instead, which represents a clear conscience and the absence of accountability for sin.  Therefore, in the words of our Savior, we invite the children (toddlers to age 11) to partake at the Lord’s table.  Jesus said, “Suffer the little children to come unto me and forbid them not for of such is the kingdom of Heaven.”

In His Service,
Pastor White