THE CHRISTIAN MEMORIAL DAY?
Memorial Day commemorates Americans that died while serving in the armed forces of the United States. This 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 that have died in military conflicts involving our nation.
Early on, Memorial Day evoked considerable solemnity across the United States. Millions of grateful 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 celebration, but a time of respectful remembrance.
Unfortunately, the significance of Memorial Day has declined for many Americans. It is now considered the “start of summer”, a good 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 take time to acknowledge the courageous souls that paid the ultimate price to preserve our freedom.
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But there is something even more regrettable. Sunday, the Lord's Day, is a “Memorial Day” that surpasses Mondays’ national holiday. This is the day that Christians assemble to worship God and remember the suffering and death of Jesus. Today (and every first day of the week) is a sacred occasion that deserves solemn observance.
Unfortunately, millions of Americans (including some Christians) have forgotten the significance of the Lord's Day. For them, it is a day to sleep late, work in the yard, play golf, fish or pursue other hobbies. Ignoring the importance of the Lord’s Day is jeopardizing countless souls, leaving them at the mercy of the devil.
Observing Memorial Day is fitting, but honoring God and Christ on the first day of the week 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 Americans that died while serving in the armed forces of the United States. This 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 that have died in military conflicts involving our nation.
Early on, Memorial Day evoked considerable solemnity across the United States. Millions of grateful 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 celebration, but a time of respectful remembrance.
Unfortunately, the significance of Memorial Day has declined for many Americans. It is now considered the “start of summer”, a good 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 take time to acknowledge the courageous souls that paid the ultimate price to preserve our freedom.
******************************************************************************************
But there is something even more regrettable. Sunday, the Lord's Day, is a “Memorial Day” that surpasses Mondays’ national holiday. This is the day that Christians assemble to worship God and remember the suffering and death of Jesus. Today (and every first day of the week) is a sacred occasion that deserves solemn observance.
Unfortunately, millions of Americans (including some Christians) have forgotten the significance of the Lord's Day. For them, it is a day to sleep late, work in the yard, play golf, fish or pursue other hobbies. Ignoring the importance of the Lord’s Day is jeopardizing countless souls, leaving them at the mercy of the devil.
Observing Memorial Day is fitting, but honoring God and Christ on the first day of the week 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
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