Communion, also known as the Eucharist, Holy Communion, or the Lords Supper, is a Christian rite that is considered a sacrament in most churches and an ordinance in others. It is a time of sharing in intimate fellowship with God and fellow believers, where Christians remember Jesus sacrifice on the cross. The rite involves the use of bread and wine, which are tangible, visible reminders of Christs love. Christians believe that the rite was instituted by Jesus at the Last Supper, the night before his crucifixion, giving his disciples bread and wine. The term Communion is derived from Latin communio ("sharing in common"), translated from the Greek κοινωνία (koinōnía) in 1 Corinthians 10:16.
The purpose of Communion is to remember Jesus sacrifice on the cross and to receive from Christ the nourishment, strength, hope, and joy that come from feasting our souls on all that He purchased for us on the cross. Communion is also a time to be in community with fellow believers, past and present, and to celebrate the Gospel. The symbolism of the bread and wine is that they represent Jesuss body and blood given for us.
Communion practices and frequency vary among congregations. A typical practice is to have small cups of juice and plates of broken bread distributed to the seated congregation. In other congregations, communicants may proceed to the altar to receive the elements, then return to their seats. Communion is important because it is a command to remember, and Jesus wants us to remember every time we taste bread and wine that He is the one who provides all we need.
