On Memorial Day, we pause to remember

The custom of placing flowers on graves of the war dead began in 1866 in Waterloo, New York, which has been recognized by Congress as the official birthplace of Memorial Day. In 1968, General John A. Logan declared that May 30 would be a day to decorate with “flowers the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion.”

It was initially known as Decoration Day and each region, north and south had different days for remembering their war dead.

Following World War I, the day was set aside to honor the men and women who died in all American wars. Annually a wreath placed at the Tomb of the Unknowns located in Arlington National Cemetary, often by the President or Vice President. The day officially became “Memorial Day” by an act of Congress in 1967. In 1968, the last Monday in May was designated by Congress as the official Memorial Day holiday.

Why do we remember? Why is it important to remember what has been done for us?

Scripture is full of calls to remember. God said that he gave the rainbow as a reminder that he would never flood the earth again.

In the fourth book of Joshua, Moses is dead and Joshua has been called to lead the people into the Promised Land. But to do so, they must cross the Jordan River which is in flood stage. There is no way to cross. So, as he did with the Red Sea, God dams the river and the Israelites are allowed to cross on dry land.

So that they will not forget, God tells Joshua to have twelve men, one from each tribe, pick up a large stone as the cross the dry river bed. The stones are placed on the bank of the river as a memorial, a reminder of God’s deliverance.

On the night he was betrayed, Jesus broke bread with his disciples and told them the wine and the bread were his body and blood. He told them in the future to take the wine and the bread to remember what he has done. The tradition remains in Christian churches with the celebration of communion.

And so, in like manner, because we recognize that our freedom has come through sacrifice, through the shedding of blood, we pause to remember on Memorial Day.

We recognize that because of this freedom we are free to assembly and worship as we see fit.

But on Memorial Day, we remember that this freedom came with a price.

Cross posted to Richmond Bible Examiner.



May 27th is Pentecost Sunday

Pentecost by El Greco, The Prado, Spain

When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.

Acts 2:1-4

Pentecost is the Greek and Latin name for the Jewish festival Shavot, which is the harvest festival or also known as the Festival of Weeks. In Jewish history this commerates Moses receiving the Ten Commandments as told in the book of Exodus. Pentecost means the fiftieth day following the Sabbath of Passover week. It is one of three annual feasts that came before Passover.

For Christians, Pentecost is the day the Holy Spirit came upon the disciples of Jesus, following his Resurrection and Ascension into heaven. Tradition tells us this took place in the place known as the Upper Room where just weeks before Jesus had shared with them the bread and the wine, his body and his blood.

Just before his Ascension, Jesus said to the disciples.

He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”
Luke 24: 46-49

Does your church celebrate or regonize Pentecost Sunday?

Pentecost Sunday is recognized in many mainline and liturgical traditions. But evangelical congregations typically don’t set this day aside as a special day. For most church calendars the days of Christmas and Easter are recognized, but the other Sundays, such as Pentecost, Ascension or Reformation Sunday aren’t usually recognized.

Founders of the Methodist movement, John and Charles Wesley wrote many hymns. Wishing to expand the number of Day of Pentecost hymns they wrote hymns that were published in a book entitled Hymns of Petition and Thanksgiving for the Promise of the Father (1746).

Charles Wesley wrote these words:

Come, Holy Ghost, our hearts inspire,
Let us Thine influence prove:
Source of the old prophetic fire,
Fountain of life and love.

Come, Holy Ghost, for moved by Thee
The prophets wrote and spoke;
Unlock the truth, Thyself the key,
Unseal the sacred book.

Expand Thy wings, celestial Dove,
Brood o’er our nature’s night;
On our disordered spirits move,
And let there now be light.

God, through Himself, we then shall know
If Thou within us shine,
And sound with all Thy saints below,
The depths of love divine.




Cross posted at Richmond Bible Examiner