November

​

Each November the UK and the Commonwealth remember the immense loss of life as a result of the First World War and other conflicts since.

The first Armistice Day was held on the 11th November 1919 with a two minute silence at 11am. The following year, the funeral of the unknown soldier took place at the London Cenotaph and the two minute silence was held throughout the nation. Everyone paused to take a moment to remember the horrors of war.

 

In 1921 the Royal British Legion began selling remembrance poppies to raise funds for ex-servicemen. As time went by, the sombre remembrance of the sacrifice made became a subject of discord among people. Some say it is a stark reminder of the horrors of war, never to be repeated again while others say it is a day that symbolises the honour of military service.

 

During the second World War, Armistice day was moved to the Sunday preceding to help reduce the disruption to the war effort. After VE Day in 1945 discussions were held and it was eventually decided that a national day of remembrance be held to remember the sacrifice of not only World War 1, but all conflicts since. This was to be held on the second Sunday in November each year.

​

And so each year since, the UK and the Commonwealth remember the immense sacrifice made by servicemen. Although this remembrance is for the armed forces, it is hard to quantify the effect that wars have on the families of the soldiers lost, the loss off life of those caught up in the conflicts and the immense destruction conflicts can cause to both people and property.

 

If only there were no more conflicts and no more loss of life!

 

The Bible says in John 15:13

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

 

The armed forces protect the interests of the UK, whether it be defence of its people, land, morals or strategies.

But when it comes down to it, soldiers lay down their lives for the people next to them, their brothers, friends and family.

 

The Bible says that each individual has someone who was willing to lay down His life for you. In actuality he has already died for you. You may not know Him, but He knows and loves you.

 

John 3:16-17

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

 

The Lord Jesus Christ died for each and every one of us and without His sacrifice for us we cannot be saved from the judgment to come.

He loved us and gave Himself for us! 

On Remembrance Sunday the UK remembers the sacrifice made by the servicemen, but we remember not only this sacrifice, but the greater sacrifice our Lord Jesus Christ made for humanity. We remember this each and every Sunday in Remembrance of Him.

​

A.T.

 

​