Holy Communion

In Christianity most Christian denominations have their own rituals and beliefs surrounding the celebration of Holy Communion, which is also known as the Eucharist, Mass and the Lord’s Supper. Some Christians, a minority, do not celebrate Communion.

Holy Communion originates from Christ’s Last Supper, the day before his crucifixion. At the supper, he gave bread and wine to the disciples and told them it was his flesh and blood.

Catholics believe that the wafer of bread and the wine that they consume during communion are transformed to literally become the flesh and blood of Jesus in a process called transubstantiation. The main Protestant churches have a variety of ways of celebrating Holy Communion, but they regard it as an act of remembering Christ, rejecting the concept of transubstantiation. Most churches insist that a worshipper must have been confirmed to take part in Holy Communion.

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Festivals

The Sabbath

The Sabbath tradition comes from the Book of Genesis in the Old Testament. After creating the world in six days, God rested on the seventh, the Sabbath. Christians observe the Sabbath on Sunday.

Many Christians in recent years have relaxed their observance of the Sabbath. At one time, very little activity other than church going or worship was permitted. Members of the Free Presbyterian Church in the north of Scotland still observe a very strict Sabbath and frown upon any commercial or social activities on Sundays.

Christmas

Christmas, December 25th for most Christians but (January 7th for the Orthodox Church), celebrates the birth of Jesus, known as the Nativity. Christians remember that he was born to a virgin mother as the Son of God in a stable in Bethlehem. His birth was attended by some shepherd’s who had seen a bright star in the east and wise men from the east who brought gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.

Lent and Easter

Lent starts on Ash Wednesday and lasts for the 40 days before Easter. Some Christians fast during Lent and others give up a pleasure. The 40 days represent the period that Jesus spent in the wilderness, tempted by the Devil. Palm Sunday, on the Sunday before Easter, marks the triumphal entry of Jesus to Jerusalem.

Easter is the most important period in Christianity, marking the crucifixion of Jesus on Good Friday, his resurrection and his ascension to heaven.

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