Remembrance

Memory is an important characteristic of what it is to be human.  What we remember and how we allow these memories to shape us are indicative of who we are as an individual person, as a society and a world.

The month of November is full of significant dates that are designed to encourage us to remember specific events, people and causes – ‘Movember’, All Saints Day, the Gunpowder Plot, Remembrance Day, Christ the King and preparations for Christmas begin on Advent Sunday (28 November).

Remembering is a vital part of what it is to be human and also a Christian. As you read the Bible, it’s fascinating to note the number of times that God tells the people to pause and remember – by building something; wearing something; observing a special event in a particular way. Jesus instituted the sacrament of Communion with the command “Do this in remembrance of me…” And Jesus’ invitation was to his disciples. We remember together. As we remember Christ’s sacrificial love for all, our relationship with God as individuals and as a family of disciples is nourished.

With this in mind, we gather together as a nation on Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday to pause, remember and give thanks for all who have given so much for the cause of freedom and peace:

 “They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old. Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun, and in the morning, we will remember them.”

I hope that you may join us at one of our services on Remembrance Sunday.