My first suggestion: Remember that the gospel is good news. As Jesus’ closest friends went around proclaiming His death and resurrection, their emphasis was not on the tragedy of His death, but on what that sacrifice achieved. They could speak of the death of their friend and call it good news. I think we should have a similar attitude at the table of the Lord. Remember that Jesus, when He spoke of the cup, spoke not only of His blood, but of the covenant. He used words from Exodus 24, a context that tells of a joyous meal eaten with God.

Reverence and sadness are not the same thing. Raucousness and joy are not the same thing. One word frequently used in the Bible is thanksgiving; surely that should be the focus of this time.

“He is not here. He has risen!”