Remembrance - A time for peace

The Bible tells us (in Ecclesiastes 3: 1 -9):

For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.

A time to be born and a time to die.

A time to plant and a time to harvest.

A time to kill and a time to heal.

A time to tear down and a time to build up.

A time to cry and a time to laugh.

A time to grieve and a time to dance.

A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones.

A time to embrace and a time to turn away.

A time to search and a time to quit searching.

A time to keep and a time to throw away.

A time to tear and a time to mend.

A time to be quiet and a time to speak.

A time to love and a time to hate.

A time for war and a time for peace.

As Armistice Day and remembrance Sunday collide we, as a nation, come together to pay our respects to those who have served this nation and to remember, and honour, those who have given their lives in the defence of this land and in pursuit of peace.

Today is not about 'glorifying war' (although some will trot out the same old complaints that it is);

it is not about nationalism, jingoism or posturing (although some might seek to make it so);

Today we remember that 'those who would seek peace must first prepare for war' and thank God that men and women do this and are willing to put their lives on the line to make peace a reality - not just in our own island but wherever the call comes to defend the weak, oppressed and threatened around the globe.

As you stop today, please remember in prayer all those who have served and continue to serve in our armed forces.

Pray for those who wait at homes whilst their loved ones served on operational tours and deployments around the globe.

Pray for the staff and patients of the RCDM (Queen Elizabeth Hospital), DMRC (Headley Court) as they seek to care for those injured in serving this nation.

Pray for those who mourn the loss of loved one, family members, friends, colleagues and comrades.

Pray that indeed peace will be a reality for those lands where conflict, wickedness and war are a reality.

And today, I (along with many with whom I serve) will be remembering especially WO2 'Pez' Thomas who lost his life in Afghanistan, praying for his nearest and dearest, those with whom he served and giving thank s for those who have now returned.