"Remembering Their Sacrifice"

‘There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.’ John 15:13 (NTL)

Jesus, our friend, laid down his life for us. He gave himself up for us. He sacrificed himself because in so doing he delivered us from the power of sin and death and enabled us to live lives in the light of his victory. Jesus, our friend laid down his life for us. He gave himself up for us. He sacrificed himself because in so doing he delivered us from the power of sin and death and enabled us to live lives in the light of his victory.

In this November month of remembrance, we pause to honour and remember the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of their country. This month holds deep meaning as we reflect on the courage, commitment, and selflessness of those who fought in battles far from home. Their bravery and selflessness stand as a testament to the highest form of love—sacrificial love. As the words of Scripture remind us, "No one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends."

These heroes and sheroes didn’t just lay down their lives for the freedom and safety of their loved ones and friends close to them. They sacrificed for the future of a nation, for generations they would never meet. Their courage ensured that we live in freedom today, shielded from the darkness of war by their ultimate act of love and service. Their sacrifice reminds us of the heavy cost of the peace and liberties we enjoy today. We can stand, walk, gather and speak freely, because of their bravery, resilience, and unwavering sense of duty. As Jim Walsh puts it; ‘we must never forget or diminish the sacrifices of those who gave everything for this nation.’ We also remember the families left behind, whose loss remains with them each passing day. In their sacrifice, too, we see love—steadfast, resilient, and enduring. For every soldier who gave their life, there are countless more who bear the weight of their absence, and today, we honour their strength and determination.

This November and years to come, let us remember the families who continue to bear the weight of their loss daily. Their loved ones may be gone, but their legacy endures in the freedom we cherish. So, as we wear poppies this November and bow our heads in respect, we do so with gratitude in our hearts. Let us commit ourselves to remembering and living in ways that honour their memory, not just in words but in actions, striving for peace, unity and a world where such sacrifices will no longer be necessary but remembered.

We remember as we give thanks, for all those who have gone before us and look with prayer and hope to their new life in heaven and our desire to join them one day. ‘For those who left never to return. For those who returned but were never the same, we remember.’ We honour you for your sacrifice!

Peace and Grace,

Revd Rosemary Mutopo  

Remembrance Sunday Service

This takes place on November 10th at 10:50am at DVC and is followed by an act of Remembrance at the Harmer Green Memorial. Please note the earlier start time.