How should we observe the Sabbath and keep it holy? What does this commandment mean?

Keeping the Sabbath has always been an important concept in Judaism and Christianity. In the Old Testament, the children of Israel were taught not to do any work on the Sabbath day. When the Lord came on earth, He expanded people's concept of the Sabbath by His words and example. He healed many people on the Sabbath day. He gleaned wheat for His hungry disciples. When the scribes and Pharisees complained, the Lord told them that it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath (Matthew 12:11). The Lord also went to synagogues to read the Word and teach people on the Sabbath. It was clearly a day for religious instruction and being kind to our neighbor.

Now the Heavenly Doctrine for the New Church gives us further insight into how we should keep the Sabbath. Ideally, this day should include instruction about the Lord and His teachings, time to think about eternal life, rest and relaxation, and love toward the neighbor (see True Christian Religion 301). The Sabbath also symbolizes a state of peace after "six days" of work on spiritual growth. When we look toward the Lord and cooperate with His efforts to lift us up, then we will have these states of peace and feel close to our Heavenly Father.

A peaceful instructive Sabbath day routine is a beautiful opportunity to unite a family in service to the Lord. How could your family implement these ideas into observing the Sabbath? We hope that these projects, family activities, and worship suggestions will help you and your family explore the ways of keeping the Sabbath. You might want to read the Quotes from the Word, "Resting in the Lord" by the Rev. Walter Orthwein, and "Why We Worship the Lord" by the Rev. F. E. Gyllenhaal. For projects and activities, you could explore the Family Activities, which describes many thoughtful activities related to Keeping the Sabbath. Additional activities can be found in More Projects, Sunday School, and Teens.