It is an opportunity to remember the service and sacrifice of all those that defended our freedoms and protected our way of life.

If I were at home, I’d be gathering at a local memorial service in town.

Earlier this morning, I recalled an experience from April this year, when I had a sobering reminder of the reality of the ravages of war and in particular the horrors of WW1 whilst visiting Ipres in Belgium with a group of missionaries.

We visited several museums, trenches, tunnels, including a gigantic crater site where a huge explosion took vast numbers of soldier’s lives.

Then on to the Christmas truce site – where we sang silent night from opposing trenches together in English and German. We then played football in memory of the game played on Christmas Day 1914.

Afterwards we travelled to Tyne Cot, where we reverently walked around a vast sprawling cemetery.

Then onto the Menin Gate where we laid a wreath on behalf of the church.

I was also invited to deliver the exhortation, known the world over.

“They shall grow not old,

As we that are left to grow old:

Age shall not weary them,

Nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun

And in the morning,

We will remember them.”

The last line was then repeated by the vast crowd in attendance.

It was a sobering moment at the end of a sobering day.

Today, our world is filled with conflict.

The scope of what needs to be done to increase peace, security, human dignity and to relieve suffering throughout the world leaves one wondering where to even start.

A good place to start would be to follow Jesus Christ.

He is indeed the “Prince of Peace” – Isaiah 9:6

In the Sermon on the Mount, Christ speaks tenderly saying “Blessed are the peacemakers” – Matthew 5:9.

A peacemaker is someone who reconciles people with God and with one another.

I believe that He is the way, to long lasting peace.

We must actively seek peace in the world, in our communities and in our homes.

Turn to Christ.

𝐇𝐞 𝐈𝐬 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐚𝐲.

Follow His example.

Are you a peacemaker?