United in Communion

Do you want to be happy? Would you take Christ’s recipe for happiness? Gospels offer full range of instructions and guidelines for true happiness. Greek word maka,rioi, [makarioi] which is often translated as “blessed” is the word for “happy.” Reading the beatitudes in Matthew 5 or Luke 6, those who are blessed are the happy ones.
Regularly we are celebrating the Remembrance of Christ’s sacrifice for us. This ordinance is a promise for happiness. Jesus assured all those present in the upper room: "If ye know these things," if you know the purpose of His lessons, "happy are ye if ye do them." (John 13:17)
Your vision reflects your desire for becoming a happy community, becoming unified as a family of faith. It is through Christ’s ordinance of footwashing that we may attain out dream of becoming one.
The pen of inspiration asserts that “The Holy Watcher from heaven is present at this season to make it one of soul searching, of conviction of sin, and of the blessed assurance of sins forgiven. Christ in the fullness of His grace is there to change the current of the thoughts that have been running in selfish channels. The Holy Spirit quickens the sensibilities of those who follow the example of their Lord. As the Savior's humiliation for us is remembered, thought links with thought; a chain of memories is called up, memories of God's great goodness and of the favor and tenderness of earthly friends. Blessings forgotten, mercies abused, kindnesses slighted, are called to mind. Roots of bitterness that have crowded out the precious plant of love are made manifest. Defects of character, neglect of duties, ingratitude to God, coldness toward our brethren, are called to remembrance. Sin is seen in the light in which God views it. Our thoughts are not thoughts of self-complacency, but of severe self-censure and humiliation. The mind is energized to break down every barrier that has caused alienation. Evil-thinking and evil-speaking are put away. Sins are confessed, they are forgiven. The subduing grace of Christ comes into the soul, and the love of Christ draws hearts together in a blessed unity.
As the lesson of the preparatory service is thus learned, the desire is kindled for a higher spiritual life. To this desire the divine Witness will respond. The soul will be uplifted. We can partake of the Communion with a consciousness of sins forgiven. The sunshine of Christ's righteousness will fill the chambers of the mind and the soul temple. We "behold the Lamb of God, which takes away the sin of the world." John 1:29.
To those who receive the spirit of this service, it can never become a mere ceremonial. Its constant lesson will be, "By love serve one another." Gal. 5:13. (Ellen G. White, Desire of Ages, 650-651)