Spurred on by the thoughts of Ann Voskamp, I love exploring the connection in the words of gratitude and grace and joy.
I’ve reflected on the Latin connection of grace and thanks, when I discovered they are nearly the same word in Spanish (gracia and gracias). The added element of JOY could not make more sense in my personal experience of Christ ALIVE in my life.
Voskamp writes about the greek word eucharisteo,
It means thanksgiving in Greek. My life’s struggling to pronounce it, that word that’s set like the unexpected crown jewel in the center of Christianity, right there at the Last Supper before the apex of the Cross. When Jesus takes the bread, gives thanks for it, that’s the word for his giving thanks: eucharisteo. It’s like a language lesson: in that word for thanksgiving, eucharisteo, are the roots of charis, grace, and chara, joy. If you can take all as grace, give thanks for it, therein is always joy. Eucharisteo – grace, gratitude, joy – one word that God in flesh acted out when he took the cup.
It’s like sitting in the eye doctor’s chair and thinking there is intentional sabotage in play, until he hits your visionary sweet spot and everything becomes crystal clear. The fuzzy shapes and letters become distinct lines with distinct meaning.
In this case, eucharisteo allows us to really see Christ and His provision through grace, our response through gratitude, and His invitation to joy.
Christ is our provision of grace.
Our response is thanksgiving.
The result is joy in His presence.
Do you need another cause to be merry?
MUSINGS IN THE MIDST 
That’s exactly why I love the Eucharistic celebration (or communion/last supper). In those few moments, I’m reminded of what Christ has done for me and I celebrate. Moments like these do something incredibly powerful inside of me. I get emotional every time I conduct or participate in communion (and I’m not an emotional person!).
I agree, Brian! Christ was making a huge statement when He presented Himself as the spotless Lamb at the Last Supper. Their meal was lacking a main dish and Jesus was pointing to Himself, saying, “I am here – the perfect sacrifice without blemish that will end all sacrifices.”
It’s so beautiful!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts!