Proverbs 30:8 says, “Give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food [literally ‘bread’] convenient for me.” It is a prayer for provision, but also for contentment, and this is instructive for us as we come to this table.

On the one hand, the grace of God is bounteous and free here at this table. It is a feast of rich food and we feed on all of Christ. And on the other hand, we also come back week after week. We don’t get filled up. In other words, this is bread convenient for us. It is not as though we get filled up with Christ’s blessings and then don’t have to come back to him anymore. We are kept near Him and we are taught to trust Him by this meal.

Temptations to indulgence and anxiety and avarice are present always, but they are particularly potent during the Christmas season. Contentment is an act of faith, as it looks at what God has given and says, “This is enough.” More often we are like the youngster, mouth full of food and plate half-full of food, asking for seconds. Because, “what if there isn’t enough?” This meal reminds us that the King of Heaven takes thought for us, and that we lack for nothing.

But there is a ditch on the other side. Think how often we catch ourselves trying to get to the point where we no longer need to pray or to confess sin or ask for grace. Carnally we want to get to the point of self-sufficiency, dependent upon no one, a law unto ourselves. And this meal is a kindness in that it reminds us that we are children being fed from our father’s hand. It reminds us to pray; it reminds us to give thanks.

As Jesus said to his disciples, “Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” So come in faith and welcome to Jesus Christ.