Marriage Monday is Coming!

Open Topic. Please Join Us
Written by e-Mom. Share on Twitter or FB. Subscribe in a Reader

Most of us are busy with Easter activities this coming weekend, so I wanted to give you an early reminder. If you’re planning to join us for Marriage Monday on April 5, 2010 (right after Easter Sunday) you have a couple of extra days to prepare your entry.

To make things "real simple" I’d like to offer an open topic. Feel free to choose your own title, and share your perspective on Christian marriage in whatever way the Spirit leads you.

Spring Giveaway

As a little extra incentive to participate on Monday, I’m offering a special giveaway this month. Anyone who links their Marriage Monday post has the opportunity to win this pretty blue coffee mug for spring!
(Click here to see more pieces in this great collection.)

The winner of my drawing will be announced on Friday April 9, 2010.

The New Covenant & Jewish Wedding Customs

As we glide through Holy Week this week, I’ve been thinking about Jesus of Nazareth’s short life on this earth; his charism of celibacy; and his prophetic words about a future wedding feast with his glorious Bride, the Church.

When he introduced the New Covenant to his disciples during the Last Supper, Jesus made reference to some first-century Jewish wedding customs. In my Marriage Monday post, I’m planning to unpack the meaning of a few of those fascinating pre-nuptial symbols.

I’m sure your post will be interesting to read, whatever you decide to write about.

Invite a Friend or Two

The more the merrier! Feel free to post any part of this announcement on your blog, in Facebook, or on Twitter. Let’s get the word out so other Mom bloggers can enjoy our Marriage Monday meme too.


Welcome Newcomers

Please jump in and join us! Your Marriage Monday entry can be as short or long as you would like. If you would like an introduction to this meme, click on the yellow button at the bottom of this entry. Several Marriage Monday posts will pop up, and you’ll get a sense of what our friendly community all about.

Related: Easy Christian Seder Supper

Photos: DTPDavidThompson & garryknight (Flickr)
Coffee Mug: Dayspring



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Up Next—Good Friday: The Cross & Lintel

Have you set aside some time for writing this week?

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WFW: He is Risen! He is Risen Indeed

When the chief priests had met with the elders and devised a plan, they gave the soldiers a large sum of money, telling them, “You are to say, ‘His disciples came during the night and stole him away while we were asleep.’” (Matt 28:12 NIV)

This week, consider posting a photo and a verse and joining us for Word-Filled-Wednesday at Amydeanne’s blog,
The 160 Acre Woods.

7 Clear Evidences for the Resurrection
Written by e-Mom. Share on Twitter or FB. Subscribe in a Reader

1. The empty tomb is the earliest historical fact associated with the resurrection. The worried Jewish leadership devised the theory that the disciples stole the body of Jesus and assumes that there was no body to be seen in the tomb (Matt 28:11-15).

2. The empty tomb was never disputed by the Jewish leaders (Matt 28:11-15).

3. Completely unprecedented, several women’s eye witness testimonies to the empty tomb were accepted without question in Jewish circles (Matt 28:5-8).

4. The empty tomb was documented in all four Gospels as the specific tomb of a prominent Jewish man named Joseph of Arimathea, who never disputed the extraordinary event after he laid Jesus to rest (Luke 23:50-55).

5. The early Jewish church’s bold proclamation of the Jesus’ bodily resurrection presumes an empty tomb
(1 Cor 15:3-8).

6. There were numerous witnesses to Jesus’ resurrection appearances. For instance, Paul invites his Corinthian readers to investigate the eye witness reports of “more than five hundred brothers and sisters,” most of whom were still alive at the time of his writing
(1 Cor 15:3-8).

7. The long-established tradition of Christian Sunday worship is due to the discovery of the empty tomb on the first day of the week (Mk 16:1-5).

Source: Jesus the Messiah: A Survey of The Life of Christ by Robert H. Stein

Related: Visit the Empty Tomb
(A presentation by the Archaeological Study Bible.)

Images: Soundslogical & Waen (Flickr)

Coming Up: The Cross & Lintel

Do you believe in the empty the tomb?

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PhotoHunt: Theme—Fresh

Spring Reveals the Goodness of God
Posted by e-Mom. Share on Twitter or FB. Subscribe in a Reader

"And to all the beasts of the earth and all the birds of the air and all the creatures that move on the ground—everything that has the breath of life in it—I give every green plant for food." (Gen 1:30 NIV)

Related: Thinking GREEN. Photos: crisymay & Hopkinsii (Flickr). Join the PhotoHunt.

Up Next—Bible Study: Evidence for the Resurrection

Is it time for flip flops yet?

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Marriage: Helping Kids Deal With Divorce

13 Assurances Every Child Needs

from a Concerned Adult

Written by e-Mom. Share on Twitter or FB. Subscribe in a Reader

The effect of divorce on children is well-documented. Most kids adjust after the immediate crisis surrounding the dissolution of their intact family. Unfortunately however, all children show signs of negative long-term effects
to varying degrees.

For instance, a ground-breaking 25-year study completed by Judith Wallerstein Ph.D., describes how children of divorce often have difficulty forming their own romantic relationships in young adulthood. These children also divorce more frequently than their peers, and many of them remain unmarried throughout their entire lives.

Without the direct, intentional support from concerned adults, research shows that the income, health, mental health, and behavior of many grown offspring of divorced parents will suffer as well.

How You Can Help

You might know a child whose parents’ marriage is failing. (Or perhaps your own marriage has come to an end). Following are thirteen guidelines to help you intervene on behalf of an innocent child who is caught in the cross-fire between two warring adults. Adapted from Medscape Today.

1. To the best of your understanding, explain the reason for the divorce in terms that are appropriate for the age of the child. Most youngsters have no idea why their parents have decided to live apart.

2. Reassure the child (especially the younger ones) that the divorce is not their fault. Since kids are immature and
self-centered, they will need to hear this over and over.

3. Except for cases of abusive relationships and concerns of immediate safety, if you are the parent, inform the child well in advance of the separation and move out date.

4. If you are the parent, inform the child of the expected family structure after the divorce, and where they will be living. Discuss frequency of visitations, birthdays, and holiday schedules.

5. Don’t expect any child to respond to the news of their parents’ divorce in an adult-like controlled manner. Expect outbursts of anger, depression, and/or difficulty in school.

6. Remember the child must come to terms with one of life’s biggest challenges: loss. Assure them by providing help through the grieving process. Involve a professional counselor if necessary.

7. Children do not comprehend money or the true costs of maintaining a home. Assure them that they will continue to be provided for materially.

8. Reaffirm the rules and boundaries they have been living under prior to the divorce. Be consistent with discipline as is appropriate to your role as parent, relative, or friend.

9. Assure them that they can still love both parents, and both parents still love them. Discourage “taking sides.”

10. Speak respectfully to the child about all parties involved. Never belittle one partner or the other (or your
ex-spouse). Refrain from expressing anger or frustration in their presence.

11. It’s very tempting for women/ex-wives to seek comfort from their children. Find other supporters instead. A child needs the freedom to talk about his feelings with an emotionally strong adult.

12. Assure the child that they are the best thing that came out of the marriage, and that they will always be the precious son or daughter of their Mom and Dad.

13. Offer appropriate hugs and physical affection.

Jesus straightened up and asked her, "Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?" "No one, sir," she said. "Then neither do I condemn you," Jesus declared. "Go now and leave your life of sin."
(Jn 8:10-11 NIV)

Related

• How to Cook a Family: What’s Your Step-Family’s Style?
• The Grace of Christian Marriage: Challenges of Remarriage

Join the friendly Thursday Thirteen folks. And for more encouraging marriage talk, visit Sheila on Wifey Wednesdays at To Love, Honor & Vacuum.

Photos: phitar, Longiee & DaveParker (Flickr

Coming Up—Bible Study: Evidence for the Resurrection

What else would you add to this list?

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What Are You Reading Now?

Spring Reading Thing
Written by e-Mom. Follow me on Twitter.  Subscribe in a Reader

But regarding anything beyond this, dear friend, go easy. There's no end to the publishing of books, and constant study wears you out so you're no good for anything else. (Ecc 12:12 MSG)

A telling passage. God knows! What are you reading right now? Do you have any reading goals? In both the spring and fall Katrina hosts a reading challenge at her blog, Callapidder Days. Her event is designed to challenge Moms to take some time away from the craziness of family life, and curl up with a few good books.

For your perusal, here's my checklist of my "must reads." I've carefully piled these books on top of my dryer. Every time I have my head in the laundry—which is frequently—I remember to carve out some time for reading.

My Six-Book Checklist

 Sex, Romance, and the Glory of God
by C.J. Mahaney

Not much explanation needed here! The sub-title says, "What Every Christian Husband Needs to Know." I have a feeling I'll be asking my husband for his "considered opinion" after I'm finished with this one...

 God Speaks Your Love Language
by Gary Chapman

Gary Chapman sold over 5 million copies of his uber-popular book, The Five Love Languages. (Also translated into 38 languages.) I assume this latest title in his series of books is also an outstanding read.

 Making Work at Home Work
by Mary M. Byers

Many Moms have made the smart decision to leave the public workplace in favor of working at home. In these recessionary times, lots of us want to learn how to effectively "make belts for the tradesmen" and "plant vineyards" like the Proverbs 31 wife. I'm hoping this book offers some timely tips for Moms trying to find the balance between caring for a family and running a home-based business.

 Living With Less So Your Family Has More
by Jill and Mark Savage

Jill Savage is mother of five grown kids, she's a pastor's wife, and she's also the founder of Hearts at Home ministry. This book is brand new, and it's a very timely topic, considering the current state of the economy. I'm looking forward to gleaning from the Savage's seasoned wisdom.

 Laughing in the Dark
by Chonda Pierce

We all know the facts—depression can strike anyone. Author Chonda Pierce is a beloved comedienne in the southern United States. One winter, she found herself stuck in the black hole of clinical depression, and it was no laughing matter. I'm curious to learn how this Christian comic found help and healing for her mental illness. Here's April in January's review.
 

 Heaven (DVD)
by Randy Alcorn

I read Randy Alcorn's exciting book, Heaven for the first time this winter. (If you're interested, you can read my review here.) My hardcover copy arrived with a Small Group DVD attached to the back cover. I'm excited to learn all I can from the DVD, before purchasing another book in this collection. (e.g. Heaven for Kids)

Related: Jennifer at Five Minutes for Books hosts "What's On Your Nightstand" the 4th Tuesday of every month. W00t! W00t! Books, books, and more books!

Coming Up—Helping Children Deal With Divorce


What are you reading now?

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How to Create the Obedience Habit in Children

Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it. (Prov 22:6 NLT)

Twos to Teens—Mom Must be Stronger
Posted by e-Mom. Follow me on Twitter. Subscribe in a Reader

Dear Sister,

In order to prevail in the conflicts with my strong-willed teen, I knew I had to be the victor many years before. Slogging through the trenches of her toddlerhood were a challenge; my two year-old tried to exert her will in some surprising ways. However, I did my best to win every single battle.

If you’re currently raising pre-schoolers, it's likely that you’re facing similar confrontations. The tug-of-war you’re dealing with today is only a shadow of the quarrels that will come when the subject is borrowing the family vehicle. It’s much better not to let your child have her way today, while she’s still teachable and riding in the car seat.

A 10-Point Strategy

Here are ten encouraging “power-points” from Pat Hershey Owen, author of The Idea Book for Mothers.

• To insure instilling the habit of obedience in toddlers, you must be prepared to back up each of your commands with the same urgency you would exert if it were a case of life or death.

• For the sake of the child’s future well-being, you must never allow a single command of yours to go unheeded without immediate positive correction.

• Young children have a very short attention span, and they must learn to respond to your commands immediately.

• For this reason you should never give your toddler an order unless you expect—and receive—immediate obedience.

• A child who early learns instant obedience in small things seldom disobeys in larger things.

• Never leave your child with the slightest impression that you will accept anything less than complete obedience.

• Training in obedience should begin as soon as the child reaches for things.

• Best results can be obtained by using a positive approach. For example, when your baby reaches for one of your breakables, say—kindly but firmly—“No, you may not have this. Let’s play with the pretty blue ball.”

• Then proceed to help the child follow your suggestion.

• Don’t wait until the child obeys before showing your pleasure. Instead begin your praise as soon as the child shows signs of beginning to obey with something like, “That’s right, what a good girl!”

• Such a friendly attitude on your part will influence your child to obey for two reasons: first because he wants to please you, and second, because he likes being noticed.

• Usually when a very young child exhibits inappropriate behavior it’s because he believes that is the only way he can receive the attention he craves.

Related: “Seen But Not Heard?”

“Whatever happened to being seen but not heard? …There has been a massive shift in Western culture away from adult authority and toward the ‘wise child.’ All around us are signs that authority and wisdom are now to be recognized in the young, rather than the old. This is nothing less than a reversal of what previous generations had believed and assumed.”
—Dr. Albert Mohler. More here…

I’m sharing these things because I ♥ you.

Affectionately,

e-Mom

P.S. Every week, a group of generous blogging Moms gather at We Are THAT Family to share their homemaking tips. Please consider joining us for Works-for-Me-Wednesday.

Photos: barnabywasson, SouleMama, &  Biepmiep (Flickr)

Coming Up—Spring Reading Thing

What works for you?

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AVATAR: Thumbs Up or Thumbs Down?

Choose Your Favorite Review
Written by e-Mom. Follow me on Twitter. Subscribe in a Reader

By now, you’ve probably seen the 3-D film AVATAR, the highest-grossing movie ever. e-Dad and I usually wait until films come out on DVD, so we haven’t seen this one yet. I’ve read that this is a Sci-Fi film that female movie-lovers are thoroughly enjoying. e-Dad is a science fiction lover (Trekkie), but usually I am not.

Should we go? Please help us decide!

From Great to Gross

Listed from "Great to Gross" which review is your favorite... 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5?

1. CommonSense Media.org

“Most of Hollywood would probably be secretly gleeful that the self-proclaimed King of the World had flopped. The good news for James Cameron—and epic movie lovers everywhere—is that Avatar isn't a flop. It's more like the story of Dances with Wolves crossed with the breathtaking visual effects of Lord of the Rings and the love story of Titanic, with a splash of the "turning native" aspect of Apocalypse Now thrown in to spice things up… [It’s] undeniably enjoyable. Every shot of Pandora is amazingly detailed, from floating mountains to flying beasts to the feline-featured, Native American-inspired Na'vi. The movie's scale is undeniably impressive.”

2. Christianity Today

“Whatever spiritual brew Cameron has served up, Christianity it ain't. The question for CT readers is, so what? The buzz surrounding Avatar gives us a chance to ask what kind of religious formation we expect from contemporary film, and what to do when that formation is counter to the kind rooted in Christ. Two responses have long dominated Christians' discourse on the topic.

The first response has been to forgo movies (and books and music) that applaud things out of sync with Scripture and church teaching. Paul exhorts believers to set their minds on the true, the noble, the right, the pure, the lovely, the admirable—whatever is "excellent or praiseworthy" (Phil. 4:8)... The second, more recent response has been to engage movies and other popular stories eagerly, evaluating their narrative and visual artistry alongside spiritual content… Sadly, the engagement impulse has led many evangelicals to neglect their prophetic presence in the public square…”

3. Movieguide.org

“AVATAR is visually stunning, but slow, shallow and abhorrent. [It’s a] science fiction adventure pitting evil human capitalists against heroic, spiritually sensitive aliens on the planet Pandora, who worship a false deity and nature. Too graphically intense for children, AVATAR has an abhorrent New Age, pagan, anti-capitalist worldview that promotes goddess worship and the destruction of the human race.”

4. Pastor Mark Driscoll (Mars Hill Church, Seattle USA).

“The most Satanic film I’ve ever seen.”

5. None of the above.

Join the friendly folk over at Susanne’s blog, Living to Tell the Story for her wonderful meme, Friday Fave Five. Photos: Google Images
 

This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from from God. (1 John 4:1-3)

Up Next—How to Create the Obedience Habit
in Children

Which review is your favorite?

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PhotoHunt: Theme—Three

"Crocus House" Around the Corner... x 3

A Quick Crocus Quiz*

Bible Scholars and botanists agree that crocus is most assuredly an authentic plant of the Bible.

• Crocus is also called____________when used in cooking curries and Oriental foods. a) ginger b) sage c) saffron

• The stigmas and styles of the blue-flowered Saffron Crocus are used to make expensive____________dyes.
a) purple b) yellow c) blue

• In ancient times saffron was scattered during wedding ceremonies and mixed with____________.
a) olive oil b) raisins c) wine

*Answers in comment box. See Song of Solomon 4:14.

Join the PhotoHunt. Photos: Copyright © 2010 Chrysalis

Newer Post—AVATAR: Thumbs Up or Thumbs Down?


Are you enjoying spring?

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Thinking GREEN

Wordless Wednesday
Written by e-Mom. Follow me on Twitter. Subscribe in a Reader

Related Article: "Saint Patrick's Day for Kids."
Image: Ektor (Flickr)

For more WW participants, join the friendly folks over at Five Minutes For Mom.

Up Next—AVATAR: Thumbs Up or Thumbs Down?

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Dave Ramsey on Marriage & Your Money

Working With Your Differences

Even number-nerds and financial free-spirits can work together toward a successful financial future.
by Dave Ramsey

Men and Women–Nerds and Free Spirits

It has been established that men and women have different financial and communication styles. Add to that the fact that opposites attract. Now we have room for conflict everywhere.

In a marriage one spouse is usually more creative and spontaneous than the other. That mate is a little—or even a lot—less organized and tends to see budgeting as a form of torture or control. I call this mate a Free Spirit. The other mate likely has more administrative skills and more of a bent towards numbers; this mate also tends to shoulder responsibility for the budget. Deep inside him or her is a Nerd. A Nerd has the capacity to create a 17-page perfect budget and present it to the family like a gloating dictator. The Free Spirit will smile—and then spend money however he or she wants to. And the budget wars are on.

How Can This Work?

A Word to the Nerd

Nerd, you should be the one to prepare the budget, because that's what we Nerds love to do. Next, submit it to the budget committee, meaning you and your spouse.

When you submit the budget (a.k.a. your masterpiece), remember to be quiet and listen. Your Free-Spirit spouse will not come to any more meetings if all you do is tell him or her what to do. The first draft of the budget is your chance to have your "say." After that, sit back and listen. Accept the fact that your mate has valid input. Remember, you are doing this to coax your spouse into better money management and financial unity—and believe me, your concessions are a small price to pay for unity.

The budget committee needs to have rules. First, keep the meeting brief. It's a budget committee meeting, not a Camp David accord. Nerds like me to love to look at all possible scenarios and projections. However, when the objective is agreement with your Free-Spirit spouse, you have about a 17-minute window of opportunity before he or she tunes out. Oh, you may see a physical body still sitting across the table from you, but his or her mind will have moved on to non-Nerd, non-budgetary activities.

Nerd, your three rules for the budget committee meeting are…

Read the rest of this great article, “Working With Your Differences” published by Focus on the Family.


Focus on the Family Newsletters

This timely article arrived in my email inbox earlier this week. From relationship advice to movie reviews, Focus on the Family has a variety of e-mail newsletters to help Christian families. And it’s all free. Interested? You can sign up here.

Important Related Articles
by UVa‘s National Marriage Project with The Institute for American Values

1. The Smart Money: She Saves, He Spends

2. Bank on it: Thrifty Couples are the Happiest

3. The Great Recession’s Silver Lining?

Elsewhere: Visit Sheila at To Love Honor & Vacuum for her terrific marriage meme, Wifey Wednesday

Photos: Rennings, _mubblegum_, & mtsofan

Coming Up—AVATAR: Thumbs Up or Thumbs Down? 


Care to share your experience?

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Saint Patrick's Day for Kids

Patrick: Patron Saint of Ireland
Written by e-Mom. Follow me on Twitter. Subscribe in a Reader

If you’ve been looking for a good resource to teach your kids the historical facts behind this lively March 17th celebration, look no further! Lucky shamrocks and green leprechauns are no match to the dramatic true story of Saint Patrick. Beloved by children for over two decades, here’s what School Library Journal says about Tomie dePaola’ s book, Patrick: Patron Saint of Ireland. (1992 Reed Business Information Inc.)

Preschool-Grade 4

“For answering requests for information about St. Patrick, this is the ideal book to replace a page in the encyclopedia or a pictureless chapter in a musty old book of saints.

The story opens with his kidnapping as a boy and youth as a slave in Ireland, and recounts his escape to his family in Britain, the inspiring vision that led him to return as Ireland's first bishop, and the spread of Christianity on the Emerald Isle under his leadership.

dePaola's palette is dominated by earth and moss tones, and works to convey a distinctly Celtic flavor. An arresting use of space runs the gamut from double-page spreads to half-page illustrations. This constantly shifting balance of art and text adds action to the tale.”—Lisa S. Murphy, Dauphin County Library System, Harrisburg, PA

Read Reviews (Five out of Five Stars) New $6.95
Used $4.00

Related: Visit this week's Carnival of Homeschooling


Can you recommend other resources like this?

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Hospitality: Easy Christian Seder Supper

“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.” (Luke 22:15 NIV)

About Seder: True or False?
Written by e-Mom. Follow me on Twitter. Subscribe in a Reader

1. Seder is the traditional Passover Dinner which has been celebrated by the Hebrews since the time of the Exodus. It is the Jewish Thanksgiving, giving thanks to God for deliverance and redemption.

2. Seder is also called the Passover Dinner, because it commemorates the protection of God as the Angel of Death passed over every Hebrew family covered by the Blood of the Paschal Lamb.

3. Seder is a Bible Study. It is in this family setting that Jewish children are first introduced to the Book of Exodus, while the adults who are present gain further insight. Today we refer to this kind of instruction as multimedia, since all five senses are involved to make this study an unforgettable event.

4. Seder is that famous meal called The Last Supper which was hosted by Jesus for His disciples. This is the momentous event when Jesus chose to announce The New Covenant. And it was at this Seder that Jesus asked all believers to do this in remembrance of Him. Many of us have celebrated this part of the Seder at our various church Communion Services…


5. Seder is the Feast of Unleavened Bread mentioned twice in the Acts of the Apostles (12:3-10 and 20:6-12). The days of Unleavened Bread were mentioned in connection with Peter in Jerusalem and Paul in Greece, and both citations are followed by great miracles which mimick Jesus' death and resurrection. (Related: For a very good explanation of how Jesus fulfilled the meanings of the seven Jewish festivals click here.)

6. The Seder dinner is as Christian as it is Jewish. It is the focal point where we bring together our common heritage. We, as Christians, are heirs of Abraham through faith for we are children of God through Christ.

7. Answers: All true! This excerpt is paraphrased from christianseder.com.

Got Maztoh?
Guidelines for an Informal Seder Supper

A meaningful way to prepare for Easter (Resurrection Sunday) during Holy Week is to invite another family over to share a midweek Passover meal. You can begin by reading the story of the Last Supper together from Luke 22:1-20.

As you eat this simplified Seder meal, you and your guests can discuss the symbolism of each of the items you serve. This would also be appropriate to enjoy with a Sunday school class, a Bible study, or with church or missionary staff. In our family, we serve this menu as our traditional Easter Sunday dinner.

Serve Unleavened Bread (Matzoh). This symbolizes the Bread that the Israelites took with them from Egypt. In their haste, they did not have time to let it rise. The bread that Jesus broke at the Last Supper was unleavened or without yeast. In Scripture, yeast stands for sin. Jesus said the bread represents his body. He was without sin. His body was broken for us.

Serve Lamb. The Lamb was killed so that the blood could mark the doorposts of the houses of the Israelites. When the angel of death saw the blood on the doorpost he would pass over that house and not kill the first born child. Jesus is our Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.

Serve Horseradish. This is a reminder of the bitterness the Israelites experienced while they were slaves. We remember how bitter our lives are when we are slaves to sin.

Serve Haroset. (Chop apples, nuts and a little honey together.) The Haroset is eaten as a symbol of hope. Jesus is the hope of the world. He is sweeter than the honey in the honeycomb.

Dip Parsley into Salt Water and Taste. This reminds us of the tears that were shed in Egypt. The parsley is a symbol of new life. We are reminded of the sorrow we feel when we think of Jesus dying on the cross. But the green reminds us of the new life that we have in Him.

Serve Grape Juice (or Red Wine). Jesus said this cup was a sign of his shed blood for us on the cross. Whenever we drink it, we should drink it in remembrance of Him. (This excerpt is paraphrased from “Family Activities: For the Week Prior To Easter” at Christianity Today.)

Supplemental Elements

• An extra wine glass is referred to as Elijah’s cup and to Jews, it welcomes the prophet of hope who would announce the Messiah’s coming. While left empty or untouched in Jewish observance, in the Christian Seder it represents the Cup of Redemption which Christ offered to his disciples at the Last Supper. This cup is also symbolic of the Marriage Cup shared by young Jewish couples in biblical times to seal their wedding engagement. More about Jesus' end times references to the Jewish wedding model is here.

• Two white lighted candles in candlesticks act as a symbol of God’s presence at your Seder meal.

Matzoh-licious! The Full Meal Deal

The Passover Seder celebration in most modern Jewish homes is an elaborate feast with kosher food, games for the children, and plenty of time to tell the story of the Exodus from Egypt (haggadah). The Hebrew word “seder” actually means “arrangement” or “order” and also refers to an orchestrated liturgical meal which precedes the kosher feast. It is comprised of a number of distinct phases or steps. It is not unusual for the Seder to last three to four hours.

The central object of the Jewish Passover liturgical meal is the Seder plate which has six foods arranged around a bowl of salt water. A very clear explanation of the details of the traditional Jewish Seder ceremony is entitled “Overview of the Seder: Feast For our Freedom” found at Hebrew4Christians under "Passover."

Been There. Done That.

If you’re tired of serving traditional Seder dishes, New York City caterer Abigail Kirsch offers "An Elegant Passover Menu" at Epicurious. Kirsch's no yeast products menu begins with kids' matzoh pizza and potato leek soup. For the main course she features wild mushrooms in red wine, apple-matzoh kugel and balsamic mixed vegetable roast. Finally, for dessert, she rounds out her menu with citrus sponge cake and strawberries. Delicious!

The 10 Plagues:
Blood, Frogs, Lice—you name it.

If you're familiar with the haggadah, don’t miss this humorous piece of writing. Explaining the lengthy Jewish liturgy (with tongue in cheek) is, “The Two-Minute Haggadah: A Passover for the Impatient.”

"Get rid of the old yeast that you may be a new batch without yeast—as you really are. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed." (I Cor 5:7 NIV)

Related: Consider posting a photo and a verse and linking up for Amydeanne's meme Word-Filled-Wednesday. This week, our guest hostess will be Christy at Critty Joy.



Photos: Colin Gregory Palmer, Isetp, HaleyHyall (Flickr)

Up Next—Dave Ramsey on Money & Your Marriage


Have you ever hosted in a Christian Seder? What did
you do?

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