CELEBRATING SABBATH
What is Sabbath?
Sabbath, or Shabbat, is a Biblical holiday celebrated every week from sunset Friday to sunset Saturday. It invites us to remember and celebrate God’s provision, freedom and rest.
The Sabbath is a day of rest set aside to worship our King. When he finished creating the world, God rested on the seventh day, creating a sanctuary in time, declaring his power over his creation by choosing to rest. Every week, as the sun sets into the Sabbath, we remember God created us for his pleasure. As we enter the rest of Sabbath each week, we step into the sanctuary of his presence.
Learning
Sabbath is a lifestyle. But, we must understand why practicing Sabbath is important, especially in today’s busy, chaotic world. Take a look at the below resources to learn why it is important to integrate Sabbath into your life.
Where does Sabbath comes from? In this Bible Project video, we review the origin and story of Sabbath laced throughout Biblical history.
Why do we celebrate Sabbath as a regular rhythm? Why is Sabbath and rest important? Find out more in this video from Pastor David Snyder.
What does Jesus have to say about the Sabbath? Why did Jesus celebrate Sabbath if it was in the Old Testament? Find out more in this article.
Understanding the practices and regular integration of Sabbath into our lives begins with God’s rhythms and weekly cycles of rest.
Celebrate
Practicing Sabbath
Sabbath is a lifestyle. But, we must understand why practicing Sabbath is important, especially in today’s busy, chaotic world. Take a look at the below resources to learn why it is important to integrate Sabbath into your life as a regular practice. Follow along with each part of this practice with community, friends or family. Sabbath is about a community of people gathering together to eat, pray and celebrate rest.
Practically preparing for Sabbath means we step into the celebration with work, cleaning and digital distractions set aside and stepping into Sabbath with readiness. The video above describes some key ways to prepare for Sabbath with your family.
Sabbath traditions include a Friday evening dinner called Erev Shabbat to welcome the Sabbath, congregational gatherings and a small closing called Havdalah to say goodbye to the Sabbath. Explore these practically in our Sabbath Guide.
Celebrating Sabbath is about coming together with your community and enjoying rest together. But why is it important to gather in community together to eat? Watch the following sermon from Pastor David to learn more.
Closing the celebration of Sabbath is a sweet time of candle lighting and prayers to say goodbye to the rest and joy of Sabbath and anticipate resting the next Sabbath. Explore these prayers practically in our Sabbath Guide.
Recommended Resources