About seven years ago our family began a Saturday evening tradition.  While we've occasionally lapsed in our consistency, we continue to return to this celebration which has become a favorite in the Walker household: our Sabbath meal.  By working hard to complete all weekend chores prior to six p.m. on Saturday evening,  and by implementing (with a few Walker twists) suggestions from Martha Zimmerman's book "Celebrating Biblical Feasts we've developed a meaningful way of seeing-in the Lord's Day and stilling our hearts prior to awakening on Sunday mornings.  Here are a few elements that we incorporate into our Saturday feast time.

1. We set a nice table (table cloth, china, good flatware, candles, etc.)

2.  Everyone sits down at the table (no meal out yet!) while  I stand to light the candles, signifying the start of our Sabbath preparation.  I then recite a chosen Scripture passage.

3.  One child carries a bowl of water and small towel around to each family member.  Following Jewish tradition everyone takes a turn dipping his hands into the bowl and drying them on the cloth.  Steve reminds us of our real need: the need for inward cleansing by the Holy Spirit. 

4.  Saturday morning we bake two loaves of Challah bread.  One loaf is placed under a cloth on the table.  After the washing of hands, Steve recites a traditional blessing and then reminds us that Jesus is the Bread of life.  We each take a small piece of bread and partake together.

5.  Steve passes a glass of wine while reminding us of our need for atonement.  We each share in the cup.

6.  Standing behind, and placing his hands upon one child at a time, (starting with the youngest) Steve prays for each family member. He ends by asking a blessing upon me. (I love that part!)

7.  We bring out the food (including the second loaf of Challah) and feast! 

8.  Following our meal we pray and/or sing our thanks to the Lord.

9.  We clean up and set the table for our Lord's Day breakfast.  (We make our Sunday breakfast and  afternoon meal on Saturday morning).  

For us, Saturday evenings have become times of great joy and anticipation.  How much easier it is to be prepared for corporate worship when we have slowed our pace not in the church parking lot, but around the family table the night before.