My new church (I’ll officially be a member next week) practices communion once a quarter. This past Saturday was the first one of the year.
The service was very nice as everything (sermon, songs, Scripture reading) pointed to the reason why we practice communion — to remember the sacrifice Christ made for me and the relationship I am privileged to enjoy with Him.
The music was uplifting and brought tears to my eyes. One song especially comes to mind — it’s called “How Beautiful.” A few years back, I had sung a solo of this song at my old church in Seattle. As the deacons served us the “bread and grape juice,” the chorister led us in singing the song. The lyrics are below.
How beautiful the hands that served
The wine and the bread and the sons of the earth
How beautiful the feet that walked
The long dusty roads and the hill to the cross
How beautiful, how beautiful
How beautiful is the body of Christ
How beautiful the heart that bled
That took all my sin and bore it instead
How beautiful the tender eyes
That chose to forgive and never despise
How beautiful, how beautiful
How beautiful is the body of Christ
And as He laid down His life
We offer this sacrifice
That we will live just as he died
Willing to pay the price
Willing to pay the price
How beautiful the radiant bride
Who waits for her groom with His light in her eyes
How beautiful when humble hearts give
The fruit of pure lives so that others may live
How beautiful, how beautiful
How beautiful is the body of Christ
How beautiful the feet that bring
The sound of good news and the love of the King
How beautiful the hands that serve
The wine and the bread and the sons of the earth
How beautiful, how beautiful
How beautiful is the body of Christ
It is hard for me to live an unselfish life. The society I grew up in and that still exists only seems to care about themselves. Occasionally, a person comes along who has the heart of serving others but sadly, it is rare. I can’t say that I don’t struggle with this myself. With everything that the world bombards me with it is hard to stay focused.
The thought that Christ can live “in” me gives me reason to pause and rejoice. If it weren’t for that, my selfishness would rear it’s ugly head every second of the day. I look to Him and my prayer is to reflect Him. Is there really anything wrong in wanting to be like Someone so perfect?
I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. John 17:23
