“This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” (Luke 22:19)

Memorial Day is time for honoring and mourning the military service men and women who died in the performance of their duties while serving in the United States Armed Forces. Traditionally, it was a Day when families, friends and community came together to remember and honor the sacrifices of their loved ones who had fallen in combat and comfort the grief of those left behind. The graves of the fallen were places of visitation and oftentimes they became decorated sites with lively flowers. Flowers reminded those who visited the site of the beauty in life, the sweet aroma reminded them of the joys that fill our lives and shared with others. Yet when the flowers would fade, they reminded them of how fragile life is when it gone. Remembrance is a blessing from God. Our scripture passage today calls for the child of God to a time of remembrance. Remember that “God created us in His image” and that He “so loved” us that he sent His “only begotten Son” into the world to die for our sin that we “should not perish but have everlasting life.” Jesus said remember this occasion, but never forget the meaning of the occasion. In obedience to Christ, the child of God is to gather at the Lord’s table to honor His life, commemorate His death, and celebrate His resurrection. His life is an example of the life that God created us to live. His death is the death that we deserve to die because of our sin. His resurrection is the hope that “all who believeth in Him” will not perish but have life eternal with the Father. He gave Himself that that we might have life. And have life eternally and abundantly. My friend and dearly beloved of the Father, as you gather with family and friends to honor and celebrate those who have fallen on this Memorial Day, take time to remember the One who is risen, and worship Him in spirit and in truth. Worship Him, for He is worthy of all praise. Remember the words that Jesus spoke “This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” Father, thank You for Your love. Thank You for life in Jesus Christ. Thank You for the living hope and the eternal glory that we will spend with You in heaven through Your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. In the blessed Name of Jesus. Amen.