Remembrance Day 2023

Good Morning. Thank you everyone for coming to this service, as we remember those who have come before us, or serve currently in the line of duty. Protecting our country and people around the world. Thank you to Val, our president for allowing me the chance to give the padre’s address this year.

Matthew 5:9 ESV

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

This is the seventh beatitude Jesus Christ gave us. Found in the book of Matthew, chapter 5 verse 9. Jesus tells us something simple. He says that those who are peace makers will be called sons of God.

What is a peacemaker? A peacemaker is a mediator. Someone that helps opposing sides in a conflict resolve the situation and bring about peace. Moreover, the type of peacemaker that Jesus addresses here is one who reconciles people to God and others. Those who do so are Christ’s true ambassadors, and are living in a way that is pleasing to God.

Today we honour the fallen. Those who served in many different conflicts over the past years and currently, to keep our nation strong and free. We also have a special focus this year on peacekeeping, and the special role the Canadian military has to play in peacekeeping across our world. Many men and women put their lives on the line for us - and have lost their lives - so that peace can be maintained. They show extreme courage and bravery. It is because of their sacrifice that we and our families can experience peace in our nation, and share that peace with other nations.

So, as we take time now to honour our vetrans and those who have fallen, remember their sacrifice, we cannot forget what they have done. We are thankful for how they gave everything in order that we might live, work, and worship in freedom and peace. We want to honour them and express our sincere gratitude for their sacrifice on our behalf.

I pray as we do we will respond in gratitude for those who gave their lives. I pray we will also remember Revelation 21 4

Revelation 21:4 ESV

He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”

Indeed, we wait with hope for the day when our remembering of such atrocities as war, with which the horrible loss of life is seen with staggering clarity, will turn into the glad news that peace has come forever. This hope is found ultimately in Jesus Christ, and his scrifice for us on the cross. Today as we honour those that gave their lives for our peace, I pray we will find comfort as we mourn the scars war leaves, and look forward to the day when peace will reign through Jesus.

This remembrance day, we need to take time to remember our brothers and sisters who have given it all in the line of duty, protecting us and keeping the peace. We must also remember and thank God for the hope of peace to come through the ultimate peacemaker: Jesus Christ.

Let us pray.