Grandma Martin had the best buns! She made the most amazing bread rolls you could ever eat. Her buns were always offered at every meal. They were golden brown, yeasty, soft, sweet, and oh so comforting. Grandma’s buns were a perfect side, a perfect sandwich, or a perfect snack. Every time to this day when I see or smell a bread roll I remember my beloved grandmother. Her bread touched every sense of my being. The consumption of her food filled my stomach and comforted my soul. But more so than even the bread itself, it was the communion and connection with her that I delighted in. The time spent hearing her stories and sharing mine with her made those mealtimes the most meaningful. My Grandma Martin was a passionate follower of Christ that let the light of Jesus shine through her heart, home, and hospitality. No one was a stranger. Everyone was welcome around her table. She welcomed me with a smile and kept me with her love. I will forever think of her every time I break bread, especially when it is in the shape of a bun.

      The Lord knew what he was doing when he connected himself to something as common as bread and wine. Since the consumption of food involves every sense that we have been created with to experience life, the breaking of bread in remembrance of the Lord involves our entire being. Bread and wine were common everyday foods that were staples in almost all homes. The early Christians would meet daily in their homes breaking bread in communion and fellowship with the Lord and with each other.

      The Lord invited us to remember him every time we break bread. Jesus is the host that welcomes us and prepares the meal. Jesus is the onewho gives thanks and serves us his life. Jesus becomes the meal saying, ‘take and eat this is my body’ and ‘take and drink this is my blood.’ This meal is much more than eating and drinking. It is more about connecting with the Lord and giving thanks. Let us practice the discipline of communing daily with the Lord and with others every time we break bread. Let us be like the disciples on the road to Emmaus by having our eyes open to see the Lord. (Luke 24:30-31)

–Bryan Johnston, North Bend Oregon USA Church of Christ – www.churchofchristnb.com. May be freely shared.