As a big “hurrah” for completing our dinner challenge, we decided to host a party to celebrate.
Parties are a lot of work, but I love every minute of hosting one. Here’s why.
I have a reason to make some of my favorite treats, and try a few new ones.
Our home continues to become the place I want it to be: “‘A perfect house, whether you like food or sleep, or story-telling or singing, or just sitting and thinking best, or a pleasant mixture of them all’. Merely to be there was a cure for weariness, fear, and sadness” (J.R.R. Tolkien).
The people we love and care about (from all our spheres life) come together in one place.
(Once again, I have a reason to make food. And buy flowers)
The differences between our guests evaporate as we eat, drink and talk.
As I clean up, I remember that the party I just hosted is merely a whisper of the greatest celebration yet to come when we will feast together in Zion.
The meals of Jesus are ‘enacted future’. They are God’s coming new world in miniature. The church is to be a picture of heaven. Our meals are to be a picture of the great party of heaven. Simmering beneath the surface of Luke’s Gospel is God’s promises of a future messianic banquet (Isaiah 25:6-8).
-Tim Chester-
P.S. HUGE shoutout to my friend Marcia who kindly took these photos.