This week brings us two “remembering” dates, one trivial and fun, the other serious and poignant, writes Bert Cargill of St Monans Gospel Hall. “Remember, remember the fifth of November” says an old rhyme, the date behind this week’s fireworks and bonfires. On 5th November 1605, Guy Fawkes was caught guarding 36 barrels of gunpowder in cellars under the House of Lords. This “Gunpowder Plot” was hatched in hatred against the new King James and his policies, but was foiled. You can guess what happened to the plotters! An Act of Parliament then decreed that bonfires throughout the land should remember this date annually! The Act was repealed in 1859.
Next weekend, however, will bring another and more serious remembrance date. The terrible World War I ended officially on 11th November 1918 at 11am. After more than a century, communities across the country willingly remember it each year. No need for an Act of Parliament. No bonfires and no fun. Just quiet reflection and thankfulness, for surely hard-won peace is so much better than cruel, destructive war. It’s easy to forget. But remembering and reflecting on this is very important and well worth the effort.
In addition, many of us like to remember and reflect upon Jesus Christ and what He did. He is often forgotten - His unique birth, His perfect life, His teachings unparalleled in worth and value, His death on a lonely cross for us and for our sins. And most amazingly and significantly, He rose again from the dead as He said He would. If He had not died and risen again, there would be no Christianity. There would be no one to give us salvation today, to give us hope for tomorrow, and to assure us of a place in heaven forever.
All photos courtesy of Unsplash
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