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The Old Testament repeatedly stresses the necessity of preserving memory through storytelling. The prophet Joel asks the Israelite elders, “Has anything like this ever happened in your days or in the days of your ancestors?” He then instructs them to “tell it to your children, and let your children tell it to their children, and their children to the next generation” (Joel 1:2–3).
A similar command is found in Deuteronomy: “Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds. . . . Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up” (11:18–19).
Telling and retelling stories has become an intrinsic part of Jewish culture. Families participate in annual festivals and celebrations, recounting stories of how God has worked in their lives. During Passover, Jews remember how God rescued the Israelites from Egypt. During Purim, family members reenact the story of Esther, complete with elaborate costumes and noisemakers, recounting how God used a beautiful Jewish girl to save the Israelites.
Christians also believe it’s important to stop, look back, and remember what God has done. Nativity scenes and Christmas pageants help us recall the story of Jesus’ birth. And when we celebrate communion at our worship services, we reenact the story of the Last Supper and remember Jesus’ sacrifice for us.
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