We Remember

Memories are an integral part of the human experience, bringing with them moments in time that we string together into the pearl necklaces of our shared lives.   As people and cultures throughout history, we have used various tools and symbols to “remind us” of significant memories:

• Footprints of a newborn child saved on parchment, inked to invoke remembrance of the moment of birth,

• A crumpled paper holding our child’s first attempt to draw a flower, butterfly or person with the wobbly letters of their name written on this treasured art,

• A lock of hair, a dried flower, a jeweled ring,

• A carved stone bearing a loved one’s name.

All of these objects are images we use to symbolize precious moments in time we intentionally remember.

In America, we set aside a special day of remembrance on the last Monday of May designated as Memorial Day, a holiday for honoring the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. Originally known as Decoration Day, it originated in the years following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971.  We are thankful for the daily benefits we enjoy, which were earned for us by these faithful men and women who were willing to serve their country, many who were injured or perished in times of war or disaster. They truly deserve honor and remembrance for their commitment to America.

There is another memorial that is significant and central to our lives as Christians.  This memorial was established by Our Lord for all Christians to participate in weekly (Mark 14:22-26, Matt 26:26-30, Luke 22:14-20) and is often referred to as The Lord’s Supper.

The emblems, like many of the ones already mentioned, are simple and common, unleavened bread and grape juice (sometimes called new wine or fruit of the vine).  However, just like other objects used to bring to our remembrance important events, these simple items evoke the profound and eternal reality of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross.  We remember that without the greatest love ever given, no one could have a right relationship with God. Jesus died for us, so that we could live with him forever. He is returning, and we participate in this shared meal every Sunday to remember and to proclaim his great message of sacrificial love until he returns!

“For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, “This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.”  1 Corinthians‬ ‭11:23-26‬ ‭

We express our gratitude to all of those deceased who we officially honor on this Memorial Day.   And most of all, we are filled with gratitude and love for our God and Father who was willing to provide the ultimate sacrifice in sending Jesus, his son, to pay our debts and give eternal life to those who are willing to follow him.  We invite you to Come and see!