Lest We Forget

Revelation 21:2-4 – I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." (NIV)

At this time of year, I often think of November 11, 1994, when my husband and I were travelling in Belgium. "Overcast," I wrote in my diary. "This morning we decided to go to the Remembrance service in Yprés. On the way we passed the Irish Gate Cemetery. A towering white cross stood in the centre of what was once a farmer's field, where 'bravely singing larks' still swooped among the white grave markers.

"When we arrived in Yprés, people, each with his or her own memories, were gathering in the area of the large British War Monument. We joined them in front of the archway leading to a series of stone walls engraved with the names, countries and ranks of 136,000 soldiers from the four corners of the British Empire.

"As I lifted my eyes to the hint of sun trying bravely to pierce the grey sky, I said a prayer of thanks for my freedom and a prayer for peace for others who suffer oppression in various war-torn countries around the world."

Today when I think of the Flanders Fields and the row upon row of crosses, I am reminded of another cross on a hill called Mount Calvary. I am reminded of the supreme sacrifice made in the battle of all battles fought for the salvation of my soul. In the silence of this November's Remembrance service I'll pause and take some time for reflection; will you? "Lest we forget."

Lead me to Calvary

King of my life I crown thee now,
Thine will the glory be;
Lest I forget thy thorn-crowned brow,
Lead me to Calvary.
Lest I forget Gethsemane;
Lest I forget Thine agony;
Lest I forget Thy love for me,
Lead me to Calvary.

Prayer: Dear God, I pray for peace for the war-torn countries of our world. Help me never to take for granted the sacrifices made for my freedom. But above all, thank you for the sacrifice your Son Jesus made on Calvary. Amen.

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