Keeping the Sabbath Sacred
Rarely does a book come across your path that would be considered priceless, but I have found one!
If you want to instill a love for God’s Sabbath, which, unfortunately has been pushed aside for other pursuits (and I’m pointing a finger at myself), this treasure will spark your resolve.
Just looking at the author’s name commands awe and respect. But when you look inside, you find contraband. Well, in Christian terms anyway! I imagine this book would be the first in a George Orwell 1984 or a Ray Bradbury Fahrenheit 451 world.
And if you think the book above wouldn’t be controversial, take a look at this beauty (I hesitate to call it that, but . . .)
Wow. Talk about timely! Here is the title page with scathing accusations of the devil himself:
We tend to forget the influence Satan has on our world and lives. C. S. Lewis in his well-referenced book, The Screwtape Letters, tells us: “Indeed the safest road to Hell is the gradual one—the gentle slope, soft underfoot, without sudden turnings, without milestones, without signposts.”
Do we really want our children to go there?
Glancing at these chapter titles reveals the gem this book is. And these are topics we rarely address with our children, let alone our churches.
Although these original editions might not be available, click on the titles below to begin your search. Or, if you are privileged to have a used bookshop still open nearby, keep the titles handy in your wallet. Or make that a goal when you find a shop while on vacation.
When our son and daughter were in elementary school (and even pre-school), I decided to treasure Sundays in a proactive way. Here are a few of my ideas:
- Get up early (I know, Sunday should be a day of rest) and fix a special hot breakfast. Or any foods that make the morning stand out. It doesn’t need to be complicated.
- Make an effort to dress a bit differently. When I complimented an African-American family about their ‘fancy’ dress as they waiting in a restaurant line one Sunday after church, the mother said, “Of course! We went (to church) to see the King!” I have never forgot that.
- Sunday afternoon, have the entire family meet in the living-room (or their private rooms) and read Christian books or those related to scripture. The young ones can listen to audio recordings to and from church as well.
- The children can play with a Noah’s Ark set, Zoo animals, or any other manipulatives that remind them of God’s world. Or paint their interpretation of a Bible story. Set aside toys that reflect God’s amazing creation.
- Sunday night, we would serve a huge bowl of popcorn and watch our local PBS station’s Nature program, or check out similar DVDs from the library. A series on creation science, apologetics (depending on the age of your kids), or Bible story dramas are great, too.
I hope this post has been an encouragement as we Christians continue to navigate this rocky and oft dangerous world with our children. We have this hope: Christ wins in the end — Hallelujah!!
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These are truly treasures that have been around a long time. Sadly, too often overlooked. Thank you for bringing them back into the forefront.
You are totally welcome, Janice — they ARE treasures!
Jarm, thanks for introducing us to these great old treasures. I’d never heard of them. Some of your ideas for making Sunday special remind me of the Sundays chapter in Little House on the Prairie. It also reminded me of how we used to take Sunday drives through the country. People would be sitting in their Sunday suits on the porch even in hot weather. We’d always get a friendly wave. We do need to return to the peaceful Sundays.
Yes, I, too wish we could enjoy Sundays like the ‘good ‘ole days’. We each need to do what we can to make it truly a day of rest for our families.
Where did you find these treasures?! I have never heard of them but they do remind me of C. S. Lewis…
Nancy, while I was looking for ‘living books’ for my Charlotte Mason curriculum, I came across them. For two years I searched used bookstores for treasures!☺️
I love vintage books, but these! Wow. What treasures! We could definitely learn a lot from past saints about the importance of observing the Sabbath! Your tips are also very timely. Thanks for sharing!
You are very welcome, Amy. I am grateful to have found them!