Grace Notes 2025-11-05

Most Christian denominations and congregations celebrate Holy Communion, or what is also known as the Lord’s Supper. It is a ritual broadly practiced, and it has been from the beginning when our Lord Jesus first instituted the meal.

So far, well and good.

That said, there are widely divergent viewpoints on just what takes place during the meal and its significance when we as believers come together. Not growing up Lutheran, I remember in my childhood the teaching and practice in the Disciples of Christ Church. We did not come forward to the altar to receive the elements. Instead, the trays were passed down each row of pews. The bread was known as square communion bread. It resembled Chicklets gum. It had more taste than the paper-like wafers often used by Lutherans and Catholics. And then the tray with small communion glasses followed the bread. It was dark grape juice only. And we could partake even as young children.

What was taught in my youth is that Communion was a meal of remembrance. We were to be reminded that Jesus’ body suffered on the cross and that He shed His blood for our sins. I don’t remember what was said up front by the Pastor, but nothing was said as we each partook of the elements.

The Disciples of Christ denomination, like most Protestants, called Communion an ordinance as opposed to a sacrament. An ordinance is something that is done out of obedience, and Jesus certainly commended the meal to be celebrated. A sacrament is something held to impart divine grace, especially the forgiveness of sins.

Lutherans regard Holy Communion as a sacrament. We believe God has chosen Baptism and Communion as tangible means of personally delivering His grace to us. We benefit from the gift given when it is received by faith. This explains why both the preaching of the Gospel and the administration of Holy Communion are typically twin focal points of the Divine Service. We believe something is promised and delivered in both.

Since You Asked

What is meant by the term “liturgy”? (from the Greek, “work of the people” or “public service”): more than a set form of service or one particular service, the liturgy is the whole body of texts and music used for the worship of God. The Lutheran Service Book is the liturgy of LCMS, Lutheran Church Missouri Synod, and we call the Liturgical Service “The Divine Service” for the Lord serves us with forgiveness, in Word and Sacraments, in the liturgy.

Our Lutheran liturgy involves the participation of all who are gathered: clergy, worship assistants, and laity. Worship is not a spectator sport. We have been gathered by God to receive from Him. And so, in reverence, we give thanks by offering praise and thanksgiving to our Triune God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Liturgical worship helps us all share in this.