2. 13. Symbols of Remembrance
Deuteronomy 16:1-17
p. 177

3. Holding onto Reality How are you feeling?
I generally live in a state of ambivalence.
Excited about what God is doing amongst us
Looking at the wider society I am heavy-hearted
God is at work and has always been
How do we hold on to this reality?

4. 1. Remembering their Story
Israelites were to celebrate 3 major festivals
Form a sacred rhythm of life
The form pointed them to the substance – God
Celebration built into the fabric of the society.
With a wrong attitude it was meaningless.
Approached well: remind Israel of their story

5. 1. Remembering their Story …
Underlying purpose:
Passover (v 3) – all the days of your life … remember
Weeks (v 11) – rejoice before the Lord
Booths (v 15) – so that you will be altogether joyful
The festivals were for the people
An opportunity to remember & rejoice.

6. 2. Remembering our Story
We don’t have to do this any more (Col 2:16-17)
The warning was not against the festival – it was making the form more important than the substance
The substance is always God, Christ, grace, salvation
It is still beneficial to remember, to rejoice.
E.g. Pastorates: Service of Covenant Renewal.
The secret: Using the form to get at the substance.

7. 2. Remembering our Story …
I order my spirituality around church calendar
How do we make Christ real in a secular society?
Festival of Jan 25th – Conversion of St Paul (Ac 9)
God is in control
My task is to be faithful (Like Ananias)
Remember and Rejoice!

8. – Living It – We remember & celebrate important events
Birthdays, marriages, graduations, …
Canada Day, Remembrance Day, Thanksgiving, …
Party, parades, speeches, wreaths, …
Jesus instituted some:
Communion – “participate in Christ” (1 Cor 10:16)
Baptism – “crucified … raised to new life” (Rom 6:4)

9. – Living It – Church added others – remind us of Christ
Christmas & Easter – form draws us into substance
Next: Presentation of Christ at the Temple (Feb 2)
Another issue of form & substance: the Building