Passover begins today at Sundown.  It’s one of three major Jewish holidays, observed traditionally with specific rituals: foods, readings and prayers. It’s an observance that emphasizes family.  The family gathers around the seder feast, the family reads from the Torah, the family “remembers.” 

The Passover story began when the Egyptian pharaoh refused to free the Jews.  God unleashed 10 plagues on the Egyptians, including turning the Nile River red with blood, diseased livestock, boils, hailstorms, and three days of darkness, culminating in the slaying of every firstborn son by an avenging angel.  For that last plague the Israelites marked the door frames of their homes with lamb’s blood so that the angel of death would recognize and “pass over” each Jewish household.  This “Passover” would never be forgotten.

I think there is much we can learn from this celebration.  We don’t need to celebrate the Jewish holidays to be impressed by this emphasis on family.  Our families gather for other occasions.  When we have this opportunity to gather around a dinner table, we are grateful to be together.  Do we hurry through a table grace and then fill our plates.  Would it be possible for us to add traditions of a brief Bible reading, or shared prayers.  Could God’s love be evident in our traditions?  Just something to think about.

May God’s unconditional love fill you and your family today and every day.

Enjoy the rendition of the Family Prayer Song by the Maranatha Singers.

Judy