I recently read an article from the "Signs of the Times" about Sabbath. Here are a few of the excerpts that I found particularly interesting:As Sabbath begins, the mother is the one who officially receives Sabbath by lighting candles. Many times one candle is lit for each member of the family. The mother then offers a prayer asking God to bless her family.
"Candlelight represents the Sabbath blessing that still shines from creation. One can light a whole roomful of candles from a single taper without diminishing the luster of its light. Just so, the rich blessing God intended for us on Sabbath has not diminished since He blessed the first Sabbath day."
The father then takes his children in his arms or puts his hands on their bowed heads and recited a blessing for each one. To affirm his wife's place of honor on the Sabbath and her important position in the home, the husband sings a love song from Proverbs.
Throughout the evening they pause to sing joyous table hymns that reflect the jubilant mood of the Sabbath.
Can't say that we will adopt all of these traditions but I did find them interesting. I particularly like the candles and the father's blessing on the children.
For more information: "Sabbath is for Love." Signs of the Times August 2010: pages 43-46
