“All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: ‘The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel’ (which means ‘God with us’).” — Matthew 1:22-23
There’s something primal and powerful about the way we gather when the cold of December settles around us. The year’s end presses close, like the hush of snowfall at dusk, and we instinctively draw together—kin, friends, and neighbors—to share warmth and laughter. It’s no coincidence that we celebrate the birth of Christ this way, for His coming marks the ultimate togetherness: God with us.
As Lead Pastor Mark Nsimbi reminds us, “Jesus’ birth calls us into a family of faith—a family that celebrates, dances, and shares life together, embracing the gift of togetherness through traditions like the agape feast.”
I remember a Christmas when my family filled every corner of our home. Jackie and I were bustling about, preparing the feast, when the smallest grandchild took center stage. She began to dance—tiny feet tapping to the lively carols that filled the air. Then the others joined, laughter spilling out like sunlight breaking through storm clouds. Soon, even my mom rose to her feet, and for a moment, generations blurred in the rhythm of joy. That dance became a tradition for us—a thread binding time and memory into something sacred.
This Sunday, the last before Christmas, is our chance to ground ourselves in the heart of this season: peace, hope, and love. It’s an opportunity to come together as a church family in a way that echoes the early believers—those who gathered for the agape feast. In the first centuries of the church, Christians broke bread together, erasing barriers of class and status in a radical act of love and unity. They prayed, sang hymns, and shared stories of faith. At the heart of their meal was Christ, the Bread of Life, who nourished not just their bodies but their souls.
Purpose and Meaning of an Agape Feast – The feast was a celebration of love and unity among believers, regardless of social or economic status. It symbolized the new family formed in Christ. The gatherings typically involved prayer, hymn singing, the reading of Scripture, and the sharing of food. The Lord’s Supper (Eucharist) was often part of the feast. They broke down social barriers, uniting people of different classes, genders, and ethnicities under a shared identity in Christ. This inclusiveness was radical in the Roman world, where sharp distinctions in status were common.
Sunday morning, we will enjoy Eliot and our praise band singing Christmas hymns. Pastor Mark’s inspiring message and our own church choir and the children will be performing together. At the close of the service, we will embrace the spirit of the first agape feast as we break into smaller groups to share a taste of The Nsimbi’s famous Kenyan bread, dipped in grape juice—a simple, sanitary nod to the ancient tradition. Afterward, the celebration continues with a bread potluck in the back. Bring your best homemade loaf or pick something special from your favorite bakery. What matters is the breaking of bread, the act of sharing, the fellowship it brings.
Let this be more than a tradition. Let it be a moment that echoes the first agape feasts—a tangible reminder of the love that unites us. Don’t miss it.
Yours in faith and fellowship,
Pastor Tim White