Picture: Counsel #19 — Preparing for Sabbath Rest CCW 96.1
God created the Sabbath as holy, set apart for rest, worship, and doing good. To enjoy it the way He intended, a little preparation goes a long way. That’s why Friday—“Preparation Day”—matters; it’s the day to get ready. Finish chores, cook meals ahead, tidy up, and even lay out clothes so you’re free to fully experience Sabbath when it begins. CCW 96.2
Parents should invite their children into the preparation process—let them help with cooking or setting the table, teaching them that Sabbath isn’t a burden but a joy, the best day of the week to look forward to. Some families even make Friday night sundown special by coming together for worship—reading Scripture, singing, and praying—to welcome in the Sabbath with reverence. CCW 96.3
When we prepare ahead, we acknowledge to others, and most importantly, to God, how much we value keeping our divinely appointed date, making Him our priority.[148] https://adventistreview.org/theology/sabbath-school/war-against-the-sabbath/ CCW 96.4
“…‘Tomorrow is a Sabbath rest, a holy Sabbath to the Lord. Bake what you will bake today, and boil what you will boil; and lay up for yourselves all that remains, to be kept until morning.’” Exodus 16:23 CCW 96.5
“Before the Sabbath begins, the mind as well as the body should be withdrawn from worldly business. God has set His Sabbath at the end of the six working days, that men may stop and consider what they have gained during the week in preparation for the pure kingdom which admits no transgressor.” Ellen White in Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6, p. 356. CCW 96.6
Reflect: What activities do you most commonly do on the Sabbath? CCW 96.7
