The Pastor Says

I’m typing just as the clock turns midnight. That brings us to Sunday 9th. November, Remembrance Sunday. (The actual day being the 11th. marking the day and the time when the First World War ended. The 11th. Hour of the 11th. Day of the 11th. Month.)

Many years ago I found myself in hospital on Remembrance Sunday, kidney stones put me there but I really was just the walking wounded. Missing church fellowship and communion I thought I would go the the chapel for the service. I have to say that I came out of that service wishing I had never gone in!

The minister, who I did not know, commenced the service with great pomp and splendour and the words, “Our prime purpose of meeting together this morning is to remember the dead!” Well I have to say that while I  always honour the fallen in my own church service on Remembrance Sunday, my prime purpose is to remember the one who defeated death, the risen Lord Jesus Christ.

Just before Jesus went to the place of execution, Calvary, he joined his disciples at the Jewish Passover feast. We know that as the Last Supper. In a very moving way, Jesus broke the bread and took the cup, his words were, “Do this in remembrance of me.” After that he was arrested and tried and finally put to death on the cross. Thank God, the story does not end there, for we know that on the third day, Jesus Christ rose from the dead.

We do honour those who have died in war, who gave their life in the service of their country… for you and me. BUT, take Christ’s victory over death out and we have nothing other than a dead comrade. The Bible is very clear that if we know Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour, there is the reality of eternal life!

Thank God, that on this Remembrance Sunday we can remember the one who brings real life to the darkest moments