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Veteran's Day |
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Location: Blogs Brad's BlogMid-Week Missive |
 | | Posted by: Brad Miller | 11/12/2008 3:52 PM | Greetings on this grey day,
As we close in on one of my favorite holidays, Thanksgiving, many of us paused yesterday to give thanks for those who have served this country in war, in peace, in times of great uncertainty, in times of great calm. I am of course talking about the Veterans of our various military branches. And truth be told, we ought to stop far more than once a year to say “thank you” to these dedicated men and women. In this day and time, it is too easy to put aside what they have done for us, and what they continue to do for us, because we don’t see it, up close and persona. Whether they are actively engaged in protecting us, or actively involved in hostilities, they stand ready to do so at a moment’s notice. With our “smart” weapons and long range missiles, it is easy to think that our military folks can somehow keep “distant” from harm’s way. But of course, that is absurd. When wars are carried out, military personnel are in harms way, always. If you know a veteran, thank them for their service, for being the one who was and is prepared to defend this country if so called on. It is an awesome task, and one which we should all be grateful.
The history of Veterans Day begins with the armistice that ended World War I in 1918, Originally, called Armistice Day, the commemoration was born because hostilities in Europe ended on November 11, 1918 at 11:00 a.m. 11/11 at 11. 90 years ago yesterday. What amazes me about all of that is that World War I had a name attached to it: “The War to End All Wars”. Yet, slightly more than 20 years later, Europe exploded again with the threats of Nazism and Fascism. Eventually, when it was clear that WWI would not “end all wars”, Armistice Day was changed to Veterans Day to include honors for all military personnel of all times and wars.
As Christians, we are called to be peacemakers. We read the scriptures about “beating swords into plowshares” and we pray for peace and calm. But we live in a world that does not easily accept pacifism, nor it seems, peace. Hostilities erupt and we Christians must deal with that fact, just like anyone else. We are taught that the peacemakers are blessed. We are taught to turn the other cheek. We abhor violence. Yet, we seek to find our place in a world that too often does not bless the peacemakers, does not turn the other cheek, and engages in violence. It can be a confusing place to be when the teachings of our faith bump against a reality that seems to challenge those teachings.
I wish I had an answer to ending all war now. But I don’t. I cling to the words of scripture that there will come a time when war will cease, and people will not take up arms against each other. Because that is where all hope resides. I hate that throughout the years we have lost so many good people to human conflict and war. I pray for each and every one of those who serve, I pray that they might know the peace of God in their hearts, and that they feel the support and thanks of a grateful people.
I long for the day when we can truly live in peace, when the “War to End All Wars” is truly and finally finished. But until that day comes, I will give thanks for those who serve and pray for their peace. It is a start.
For an updated prayer list and list of upcoming events, please go to www.brookhavenchristian.org
Please keep in your prayers:
Marty Sanders, father of Rev. Marthame Sanders, pastor of Oglethorpe Presbyterian Church. He is recovering from a head injury sustained in a fall.
Margaret Woodall, who has been attending BCC for a few years now. Margaret spent a couple of days in St. Joseph’s for observations as they adjusted her medication to deal with heart fibrillations.
Announcements
This Sunday is the third Sunday of the month which means it is time for our Fellowship Pot Luck Luncheon. Bring a dish or two to share and join it for good food and fellowship.
Don’t forget that Sunday November 23rd is Thanksgiving Sunday. Please remember to bring produce and canned goods to be used in a TWEENS project of providing Thanksgiving baskets for the folks at the Interfaith Outreach Home.
And don’t forget your canned goods this Sunday, November 16th to be shared with the Oglethorpe Food Pantry.
The deadline for our 2009 Stewardship Campaign is November 23rd. Please prayerfully consider how you can support the operation of BCC in 2009 and e-mail your pledge to pledge2009@brookhavenchristian.org or get a pledge card in the narthex and drop it in the offering plate.
I hope that you will be able to make it to worship this Sunday as we once again celebrate the Lord’s Day together. Rev. Jennifer will preach on the scripture 2 Samuel 6: 11-22 with a sermon titled “To Praise or Not to Praise” Have a great rest of the week.
Be peaceful,
Brad | | | Permalink | Trackback |
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