Prelude to the Feast

The dinner table has always been the center of our family.  The love of cooking has been passed from generations before me and now I carry the same love and appreciation.  It is a place of comfort and a continuous reminder to me of how blessed I am and how good God is.  Food nourishes our bodies and the togetherness nourishes our souls whether we are sharing hearts, grief, laughter, tears, a birth, marriage, death, disappointments or celebrations.  Memories and relationships thrive through the gathering at the table. It's also an opportunity to invite God's presence into our hearts.

In Genesis 1, food is God's first gift to humankind and animals alike.  God provided manna when the Israelites wandered in the wilderness.  Feasts were held for many occassions in the bible. Even after the resurrection, Christ cooked breakfast on the shore and ate with Disciples.

As much as we may love every aspect of food, physical food is not enough for us to live a healthy life.  There is spiritual food that is needed to live our lives in fulfillment of the purpose for which we were created.  Bread sustains but does not guarantee life, which is God's gift to those who trust in and live by his word. Deut. 8:3  We must rely on God for spiritual nourishment. Matt. 4:4  The father still gives the true bread from heaven, life through his son, Jesus Christ. John 6:33

Most of us diligently see to it that our bodies do not go without daily food.  Are we as diligent about the nourishment of our souls?  We cannot eat once a week to suffice our bodies for an entire week.  The same is true spiritually.  Daily communion with God is vital to our survival.  We must seek God's word for proper nourishment.

I love to cook because sharing food brings people together.  The gathering of friends and family to share a meal can help ease burdens during difficult times.  As hectic as family schedules can be, the family meal gets everyone together and provides a great setting for sharing family values centered around Christ.  Time around the table helps us teach our children how to behave, interact with others, give thanks to our Father, and pray for others.  Most important it acts as a prelude to the Feast, allowing us to serve others like Christ did.

Carla Henson