The Sabbath Day has become a special gift for our family. Initially, we were apprehensive about observing the Sabbath because we viewed it as a legalistic practice. However, we observed friends who embraced the Sabbath as a gift of rest and found joy and delight in it. Instead of treating it as a list of legalistic ideas, they genuinely enjoyed the gift of Sabbath. We watched them for a few years before deciding to explore Scripture deeply to understand the concept of Sabbath. We eventually became convinced that it is a beautiful part of the commandments we neglected throughout our faith journey and we immediately made it a family practice in our home. Each season brings different aspects of the Sabbath for us to enjoy. I invite you into our personal story to inspire you to simple ways to observe the Sabbath and add beauty into your family traditions.
Our family tradition begins each Friday at sundown during the winter season with a beautiful meal. We bring out the lovely tablecloth and set out candles. The men in our home eagerly anticipate this time to put aside their worries from working their jobs all week and gather at the table to celebrate another week of hard work. As a stay-at-home mom, I find joy and peace in creating this sanctuary for the entire family, where everyone feels appreciated and loved. It's a labor of love that is fulfilling for me as a homemaker, and we all look forward to resting from our busy week.
Our rhythm of rest in the winter differs significantly from our summer routine. As the sun sets on Friday evening, we intentionally set aside our to-do lists and creative work to rest in our homes. We complete all chores and work, knowing we've worked hard for six days. Now it's time to relax and enter Yahweh's holy day set aside for us.
Amid the busyness of life, this weekly rhythm, one of God's holy days, is vital for our family. We began observing the Sabbath just under a decade ago, and this intentional break has become the most life-giving routine in our home over the past twenty years. It has been a true blessing through various stages of our lives. Although it has sometimes been challenging due to work or other commitments, we have learned to prioritize and plan our time to make it work. We say no to anything that will interfere with our ability to observe the Sabbath as Scripture calls us to do. Our work is much more blessed in six days than in seven.
In Hebrew culture, the Sabbath—a day of rest and worship—is a significant part of why we observance Sabbath. It serves as a time to reflect on the creation story, as God rested on the seventh day and lay down our to-do list. This tradition is deeply rooted in Hebrew culture and holds a special place in our hearts.
As the sun sets on Friday evening, we set the table, play worship music, prepare the challah, and have delicious chicken in the oven. This weekly meal is a time we eagerly anticipate, filled with comfort and simplicity that creates memorable Sabbath moments. We prepare the house around 3 p.m., tidying each room, finishing laundry, dusting surfaces, and sweeping the floors if time allows. I also make sure the bathrooms are clean.
In the kitchen, the challah is rising and ready to be placed in the oven soon. We've been baking fresh bread to break together for years, and last-minute meal preparations are underway. The chicken is prepped for the oven, and homemade ice cream is in the freezer. The anticipation and preparation for the Sabbath meal are integral parts of our weekly routine, filled with excitement and joy. At this time of year, sunset occurs around 6:00 p.m., so we aim to wrap up our work by then to create a calm atmosphere for the family to begin the Sabbath.
A palpable sense of accomplishment fills the air when my husband arrives home. The week's work is complete, the food is ready, and the candles are lit. The music plays, the fire crackles, and we are all set to celebrate the end of a productive week and the beginning of a holy day. We all experience a sense of satisfaction as we gather to celebrate the Sabbath.
"Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. And on the seventh day, God finished his work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all his work that he had done. So God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it God rested from all his work that he had done in creation." Genesis 2:1-3
As the family gathers around the table shortly after sunset, I sense the week's stress drifting away. We have the next 24 hours to rest, fellowship, and celebrate the goodness of the Lord. The Sabbath brings a profound sense of peace and tranquility to our home—a true rest. During these moments, I feel the most connected to my family and Yahweh, my God. The Sabbath is a day for rest, spiritual rejuvenation, and family bonding—a time of calm we all cherish.
After dinner, we cherish our family time. We leisurely enjoy homemade ice cream, share laughter, and engage in meaningful conversations. Most Friday evenings, we choose an early bedtime, turning off all electronics for the night except for a family friendly documentary that sparks interesting discussions. We all look forward to this time for reflection, unplugging, and spending time together. It's a chance to bond and connect as a family, filling our home with warmth and joy.
As we wake up on Sabbath morning, we look forward to a whole day of genuine rest. We spend the whole morning sitting by the fire with coffee and enjoying our weekly breakfast casserole, along with a sweet treat our daughter has made for the family. This sweet treat, often muffins, cinnamon rolls or coffee cake, symbolizes her love and creativity. It is a delightful addition to our Sabbath celebration. She puts a lot of effort and love into making it, and we all enjoy it immensely. We read Scripture together and discuss it as a family. We also love to stroll around our property to get some fresh air and appreciate the beautiful landscape. The rest of the day varies; some may nap, read a helpful book, or play a board game together. We might linger, rest, read, or prepare for guests' arrival. These are various activities that bring us joy and relaxation.
On many Sabbaths, we invite a small group of families for worship, fellowship, and prayer; or we may visit other family homes. We look forward to this intimate time with others, growing in our walk with the Lord through a worship service that offer encouraging stories and practical advice from Scripture. The Scriptural insight we gain from these gatherings enriches our understanding of the Sabbath as a blessing. In the winter months, we often linger together past Saturday sundown.
As we head to bed after the sun has set, we feel rejuvenated, as if new life has been breathed into us, ready to begin the first day of the week. Our Sabbath rhythms are a crucial part of our Sabbath rest for both spiritual and physical refreshment. As we approach a new year, consider adding the practice of Sabbath to your rhythms of rest to nurture your body, family, and home, adding beauty to your week.
Thanks for dropping by today! I hope you found encouragement for building a peaceful home. If you know another mom who might benefit from what you've learned here today, be sure to share this post with her!
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