REMEMBRANCE DAY
- How Easily We Forget
We stand in silence. We think briefly about those who have died and those who still bear the scars or mourn loved ones. And we think about those who are at this time risking life and limb in the service of their country. We wear our poppies to express our support. We are thankful for all who have given and still give so much. It is the least we can do.
Remembering Our Liberties
Remembrance Sunday and Remembrance Day help us all to realise that the liberties and comforts we enjoy have not come cheaply. Men and women gave their lives; mothers and fathers gave their sons and daughters. And it still goes on today.
It is important to have these special times to remember, otherwise we easily forget. We have freedom to choose the sort of life we live. Compared to millions around the globe we are quite wealthy. We have excellent public services like the Health Service and Social Service that help to make sure our lives are reasonably comfortable.
They Paid a Huge Price
We have these benefits because someone paid a price for them. Evil was resisted. Men and women fought and died, or were severely injured, on our behalf. And families also paid a price. Remembrance Day shows us that we owe a lot to others. It is only right to say thank you. And we show we mean it by generosity and care for others less fortunate than ourselves.
The Forgotten Source
Remembrance Day reminds us about someone else. Someone to whom we owe a huge debt. But generally we forget about it.
Britain does have wonderful facilities and services. How did such things come about? Again the answer is the sacrifice of men and women in the past. They saw needs and worked hard to meet them.
We take for granted health provision, education, social services, a caring penal system, and so many other benefits. These were started first by Christian people. Why did Britain lead the world in providing them? Because in the past many people took the Bible seriously. What they read in that book they put into practice. Many of Britain’s problems exist today because we have forgotten this.
Even today there are many Christian organisations and individuals doing new things to help those in need. Sadly they don’t get reported widely.
The Greatest Sacrifice
Why do Christians do such things? Because they know the love of Jesus. That was true in the past and it is true today.
His was the greatest sacrifice. Jesus went to the Cross and died for men and women who had forgotten God. He showed incredible love. He died for His enemies!
Why is that the greatest act of love? Partly because it has produced that immeasurable amount of loving actions by others. But the big reason is that Jesus died for millions upon millions of people who could do nothing for themselves.
Now there is forgiveness and acceptance with God, peace and joy in our hearts and a sure hope for the future. People have forgotten about this. How easily we forget.
Remember - the Sacrifice was not in vain
This year at this time of remembrance, as you remember the sacrifice of men and women, also remember the sacrifice Jesus made. He died for His enemies. He died for people who had rejected and forgotten Him. He died for you and me. But Jesus was also raised from the dead. He now lives to give peace and security to everyone who truly calls to Him.