The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.-Deut. 33:27 (NIV)

Mellow notes from the organ draw the faithful to the altar to receive the bread and the wine. Sunlight filters through stained glass, bathing the chancel rail in a holy glow.

Among the many, they stand out from all the rest-his loving arm underneath hers-- leading, lending solid support to her trembling limbs.  They've always been sweethearts. They've also been teachers, world travelers, and veterans of countless mission trips.  In all these things they reached out to help others and show them the love of the Lord.

She was a beauty, he quite gallant. His hair has thinned; hers is snow white-- still beautifully coiffed, if slightly askew.  Her wobbling gait is tentative and uncertain-his loving gaze constant and true.

Time has stolen their vigor, but not their hearts.  They could have received Communion in the comfort of their pew, but they chose to come forward and bow before the One who became weak that we all might be strong.

Together they kneel on crimson cushions and prayerfully wait for the Great Thanksgiving--now closer, ever closer.  At last she holds the bread and haltingly brings it to her mouth.  He steadies her hand to receive the tiny cup.  He's so solicitous, so endearing-a lifetime of tenderness captured in a moment and silhouetted by the sun.

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.-Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)

Mellow notes from the organ draw another worshipper to the altar to receive the bread and the wine. Sunlight filters through the same stained glass, and still the chancel glows. As I kneel, my heart gives thanks for the still small voice that directs my steps-even when I refuse to hear; the strong and steady hand that brings comfort in the midst of challenge and change; an enduring love, ever constant, always true.  With all these things, I ask for grace to reach out and help others as I have been helped, always reflecting the love of my Lord.

The Great Thanksgiving--now closer, even closer-- takes place beneath a Cross draped with purple cloth.  I take the bread and the cup, His body and blood for my soul. He gives me His beauty. I give Him my sins. Such an exchange! He's so gallant, so solicitous, so endearing-an eternity of tenderness foreshadowed in a moment and silhouetted by the Son.

When the hour came, Jesus and his apostles reclined at the table. And he said to them, "I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer.  For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God.".And He took the bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them saying, "This is My body given for you; do this in remembrance of Me." In the same way, after the supper He took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is poured out for you."-Luke 22:14-16, 19-20