How to have a Great Sunday
Sunday is called the Lord’s Day, and the Lord’s Day is the most important day of the week. But it doesn’t always seem like that, does it? Here are some tips for great Sundays ahead.
Know what you’re getting into
Sunday is the first day of the week. Every Sunday is a new beginning, and at the beginning of the beginning, we celebrate him who is “the beginning, the firstborn from the dead” (Col 1:18). Jesus conquered sin and death, and we have church to celebrate. It’s a spiritual party. This is what the early church did. This is what the apostles did. This is the way.
Bring your burdens
Don’t try to put a good face on Sunday morning by leaving your burdens behind. Bring them! Bring them all. The Lord knows your path; trust him to provide just what you need in the gathering. Talk to others as well, and ask for prayer. In all things come ready to unload your burdens to Christ at the throne of grace. Cast your Sunday cares upon him, for he cares for you.
Expect something
Sunday is about getting stuff from God. Are you surprised by that? Did you think it was the other way around? Yes, we give God praise and worship and glory and honor when we gather. But Sunday is really about what we get, not what we give. The bountiful Spirit is at work in word, prayer and sacrament when we get together on Sundays. He uses these means of grace to give us the grace and mercy and love and power we need. So show up with expectations.
Treat it as the main event of the day
In the highly-scheduled West, Sunday can be just another day to do things. Let’s be honest, sometimes we like getting church over with and out of the way so we can do what we really want. But it should be just the opposite. Church is the main event on Sunday; it’s all the other stuff that we need to get out of the way. Then we can really enjoy the celebration and rest in Christ all day long. So finish what you need to finish before Sunday. Get up, get ready, get expectant, and get to church, and watch yourself grow for years to come.