This marginalization of the Lord's Supper had, I believe, an effect on the preaching of the Word. Where Word and Sacrament are held together, each serves the integrity of the other. That is why the Reformers insisted that the celebration of the Lord's Supper always be accompanied by the Word. The service of the Word is equally well served by its frequent association with the Lord's Supper. The Lord's Supper clearly represents something given.
Bread is taken, blessed, broken, and given.
The cup is taken, blessed, poured, and given. The gift offered in the Lord's Supper is Jesus Christ. On the table, around the table, from the table, there is pure grace. Preaching, while not a sacrament of the church, is nevertheless sacramental. In it, under it, and through it, the risen Lord steps into the midst of his people.