funeral or feast

This weekend, Allison and I were noting how somber most Evangelical celebrations of Communion (particularly of the Baptist flavor) tend to be. She observed that in many congregations, the sacrament becomes a "funeral for Jesus." Obviously, there's need for introspection and examination in order to "partake worthily," but sometimes the atmosphere ends up being overwhelmingly glum.

P. Andrew Sandlin's article on weekly Communion provides a needed contrast:

In some churches, communion is a time of fear and lamentation and even trembling over sins committed. But the Lord’s Supper is all about God’s overcoming our sins in the atoning death and victorious resurrection of Jesus. So, there is joyous music, laughter, tears and hope — because of what God has done, is doing, and will do in His Son Jesus. The Lord’s Supper is (among other things) a celebration of our victory in Jesus.