ANOTHER “MEMORIAL DAY”
Memorial Day commemorates military personnel who have died while in service to the United States. This singular holiday was initially established to honor Union soldiers who gave their lives in the Civil War. After World War I, it was expanded to include all U.S. military personnel who died in any war or conflict involving our nation.
Early on, Memorial Day evoked considerable solemnity across the United States. Millions of appreciative Americans visited cemeteries, stood or wept in silence, and placed wreaths or flowers on the graves of those who had died serving our country. It was not a festive time, but a time of respectful remembrance.
Unfortunately, the meaning of Memorial Day has deteriorated for many of our citizens. It is now acknowledged as the “start of summer”, a long weekend, an excuse for a family trip, spring cleaning or watching the Indianapolis 500. While there is nothing wrong with these activities, fewer and fewer Americans visit cemeteries or give thought to the courageous souls that paid the ultimate price to preserve our freedoms.
******************************************************************************************
But there is something even more regrettable. Today, the first day of the week - the Lord's Day – is a “Memorial Day” that surpasses tomorrow’s national holiday. This is the momentous day that Christians assemble to worship God and remember the suffering and death of our Savior. Today (and every Lord's Day) is a sacred occasion that deserves solemn observance.
Unfortunately, some Christians (not to mention millions of others) have forgotten the significance of the Lord's Day. For them, it is just another a day off, a day to sleep late, work in the yard, play golf, fish or to pursue other personal endeavors. Forgetting what THIS DAY is all about is a tragedy that is jeopardizing countless souls, leaving them at the mercy of the devil.
Observing Memorial Day is fitting and good. But honoring God and Jesus Christ on the Lord’s Day is much more so.
“Now on the FIRST DAY OF THE WEEK, when the disciples came together to break bread…” (Acts 20:7)
Jesus, always Jesus!
Dennis
Memorial Day commemorates military personnel who have died while in service to the United States. This singular holiday was initially established to honor Union soldiers who gave their lives in the Civil War. After World War I, it was expanded to include all U.S. military personnel who died in any war or conflict involving our nation.
Early on, Memorial Day evoked considerable solemnity across the United States. Millions of appreciative Americans visited cemeteries, stood or wept in silence, and placed wreaths or flowers on the graves of those who had died serving our country. It was not a festive time, but a time of respectful remembrance.
Unfortunately, the meaning of Memorial Day has deteriorated for many of our citizens. It is now acknowledged as the “start of summer”, a long weekend, an excuse for a family trip, spring cleaning or watching the Indianapolis 500. While there is nothing wrong with these activities, fewer and fewer Americans visit cemeteries or give thought to the courageous souls that paid the ultimate price to preserve our freedoms.
******************************************************************************************
But there is something even more regrettable. Today, the first day of the week - the Lord's Day – is a “Memorial Day” that surpasses tomorrow’s national holiday. This is the momentous day that Christians assemble to worship God and remember the suffering and death of our Savior. Today (and every Lord's Day) is a sacred occasion that deserves solemn observance.
Unfortunately, some Christians (not to mention millions of others) have forgotten the significance of the Lord's Day. For them, it is just another a day off, a day to sleep late, work in the yard, play golf, fish or to pursue other personal endeavors. Forgetting what THIS DAY is all about is a tragedy that is jeopardizing countless souls, leaving them at the mercy of the devil.
Observing Memorial Day is fitting and good. But honoring God and Jesus Christ on the Lord’s Day is much more so.
“Now on the FIRST DAY OF THE WEEK, when the disciples came together to break bread…” (Acts 20:7)
Jesus, always Jesus!
Dennis
RSS Feed