Sunday means, ‘The day of the Sun’ and it is meant to be a bright, happy day! Its ancient name, ‘Sabbath’ meaning ‘Day of Rest’ was planned at creation before any religions existed. The moon was designed to divide the year into 13 months of 28 days so that through its four quarters the seven-day week was produced. God knew that after 6 days work, man would need the seventh day to rest. 2000 years ago the Christian Sunday was born when the dawn broke three days after the crucifixion of Christ, and Jesus rose from the dead! Then the best news in the world broke, that Christ had removed the sting of death for those who repent and believe!

Sunday is a special day for meeting with Jesus for He said, “Where 2 or 3 are gathered together in my name, there I am in the midst of them.” [ Matthew 18:20 ] It’s a day for singing God’s praises and hearing His Word. It’s a day to feed our souls and to remember that we do not live by bread alone, “but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.” [ Deuteronomy 8:3 ]. Sunday is the day for resting from non-essential work and for laughter and sensible talk around the family table. Then going to bed with a clear conscience and a thankful heart!

Today parliament is desperately wanting to bring back respect into society. Respect for people of all races, respect for parents, medics, firemen, police and property. We lost this respect when the peace and quiet of our Sundays was broken by the noise of trading and traffic! The Bible says, “Respect for God is the beginning of wisdom.” [ Psalm 111 verse 10 ] Let us honour God’s wise provision and bring back our reverent Sundays, then respect will return. Our history teaches that legislation can never achieve this.