Early Communion is not a new thing for the Lutheran Church. Historically the Church used to commune children before the Rite of Confirmation.
We believe, teach, and confess that in receiving the Lord's Supper we receive bread and wine, and the very Body and Blood of Jesus Christ our Lord (Matthew 26:26,28). Through this we receive forgiveness, life, and salvation. We believe this is a precious, sacred and important gift God has given to His Church for our benefit.
Therefore, If receiving the Lord's Supper is a benefit for the Christian, through which we receive the forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation, and the strengthening of faith, shouldn't we prepare our children to receive it as soon as possible? The simple answer is, “Yes.”
How do we do that? Scripture teaches this Sacred and Holy Meal comes with blessings and curses. It is harmful to those who receive it improperly. How do we make sure a child has been properly taught and understands what we receive in the Sacrament?
The Bible does warn in us in the Corinthians 11, “Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the Body eats and drinks judgment on himself."
What makes one ready to receive Holy Communion? According to our confessions, Luther teaches in the Large Catechism (the catechism written for parents and pastors), one must know the Ten Commandments, the Apostles Creed, and the Lord’s Prayer before receiving the Lord’s Supper.
We also learn from the Small Catechism (the catechism written fro students) reception of the Lord’s Supper is not based on knowing enough or being good enough. The Small Catechism teaches a “person is truly worthy and well prepared (to receive the Lord's Supper) who has faith in these words: 'Given and shed for you for the forgiveness of sins.' ”
It’s faith that grabs hold of the promises of God and beleives and trusts in them. God's Word is unfailing and true. Faith trust that what God says He does.
Can the child have faith and believe in these words, “Given and shed for you for the forgiveness of sins?”
Can the child discern (that is recognize) Jesus is in the bread and wine because He said so?
Can the child examine himself (recognize missteps and mistakes against God's Word)?
The commandment on honoring parents places authority over their children in both physical and spiritual matters.
That means the parents have a responsibility in this matter.
- First pray. Pray for your child that he would grow in the knowledge of Christ our Lord, and be guided by the Holy Spirit in all truth and wisdom according to the very Word of God.
- Then teach your child. Pray with them. Read a daily devotion with them. https://www.cph.org/c-2856-my-devotions is an awesome resource for that. Pastor uses this with his family everyday.
- Help you children memorize:
- Attend worship service weekly as a family, send your children to Sunday school and attend adult Bible study for yourself.
Our goal is for all of God's people to be able to come to the Holy Table to receive this Sacred Gift, but in coming we want to make sure everyone understands the things they are receiving and not taking it to their harm.
Jesus say, "Let the little children come to Me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 19:14)
