A day devoted to special things 

We are supposed to keep the Sabbath holy. But how? Here is why God offers us a day of rest and how parents can sanctify the Sunday together with their children. 

“Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.” Emma reads out the Third Commandment in religious instruction class. “What does this commandment mean for us?” the teacher asks. “Are we supposed to pray all day?” The children quickly agree that this is probably not what is meant. But how can we sanctify the Sabbath, our Sunday, as a family and consciously experience it as a special day? 

In the book of Exodus, we can read that we are to labour for six days and do all our work, but on the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord. On that day, we are not to do any work but rest and keep the day holy. This is not so easy in an age of crowded schedules, a relentlessly accelerating pace of life, and constant pressure to achieve and perform. 

Let us go back to the Religious Instruction class: after talking to the students about the commandment, the teacher asks the children to think for a few minutes about what has been said. Pausing to reflect can also help us in the family. Let us stop doing what we were doing, spend time together, and gather our thoughts. This practice helps us recognise what is truly important and what gives life meaning—not just on Sundays. 

What can we do on a Sunday? 

Attend church: Together, adults and children can worship God, offering Him praise and thanks. In divine service, we can experience God’s presence and salvation and are prepared for the return of Christ. Church provides a place of peace and quiet. It offers a balance to our daily lives and helps us to focus on what truly matters.  

Go on a family hike. Together, parents and children can experience the beauty of nature, a gift from God. 

Read a book with the children. There are many children’s books that inspire conversations about values. 

Play a cooperative game. Preferably one whose idea is based on helping one another and being there others. 

Meet friends. Children also enjoy spending time with others, and love to play and talk. 

Photo: isara – stock.adobe.com

About the author 

Natascha Wolf is a teacher and principal at a primary school. She has three children. She is also a Sunday School teacher and conductor of the district children’s choir in Rottweil, Germany.