During Passover, Jewish families open a door for the prophet Elijah. This practice is based on an Old Testament prophecy indicating that Elijah's return would precede the arrival of the Messiah. Just as Jewish families invite Elijah to join their Passover celebration, we can all welcome his influence into our homes and hearts.
The Four Cups
During the Seder service, four cups of wine are blessed and consumed. Each corresponds to a promise God made to Israel: removal of burdens, freedom, redemption, and divine acceptance. The third cup is associated with the sacrament, which we partake of every week to remember the Savior's redeeming sacrifice.
Plagues
The plagues were divinely architected in a sequence intended to achieve God's objective: the liberation of Israel. But this fact doesn't minimize the pain people suffered as a result. We can sympathize and hope at the same time, mourning with those that mourn even as we hope with those who have reason to hope.
Unleavened
Jewish families prepare for Passover by carefully eliminating all leaven from their homes. Jesus and Paul taught that leaven is representative of impurities in our souls. Thoughts and feelings which "puff us up" make us less holy, less prepared to stand in God's presence and receive His grace.
Bitter
Disciples of Christ absorb bitterness. Imagine the impact as people experience suffering without passing it along and without letting it define them! Like the maror in the Seder service preceding the Paschal lamb, our suffering can turn our hearts to Christ, who can replace the bitterness with exquisite joy.