Christmas Concert

Remembrance Sunday. The image that immediately springs to mind is a Poppy – perhaps with the caption ‘Lest we forget’. An important message. But unfortunately, we have indeed forgotten. Rather than honouring those who laid down their lives for friends and family, the self-centred, power-hungry, money-driven state of the world is an insult not just to the memory of those lost in war, but also those today who are prepared to risk their lives for people they don’t even know.

The emergency services, fire, police, ambulance. Coastguards. Lifeboat crews. During Covid, Health service staff were given choruses of applause in thanks – but they remain understaffed, unacknowledged and underpaid. All too easily, we take for granted those who we rely upon to allow us to get on with our lives in security and comfort.

And, sadly, most of the time, we take our Saviour and Redeemer for granted too. Not intentionally, but by allowing the things of the world to take priority over obeying Jesus’ command to love my neighbour. We read Paul’s letter to Laodicea, and don’t realise that we’re just the same.

On Remembrance Sunday, we think about sacrifice and perhaps wear a poppy – but we then put it away until next year. Every Sunday, we worship and give thanks – but then Monday comes. Do we then get on with daily living, only calling upon Jesus when we’re in trouble? I suspect that often, we do. I know I do.

War, violence, hatred, anger have a basis in worldly sin, and we recognise that clearly – but equally sinful neglect of the poor (in every sense) is easily ignored – and so is neglect of our Saviour, and His supreme gift of freedom.

So on the eleventh day of the eleventh month, it is right to keep silence for the fallen, in every sphere of life, but unless we resolve to remember them as we remember Jesus – every day of the year – it means little.

‘Is it lawful to pay taxes to the emperor?’ If Jesus says ‘Yes’, the Anti-Roman Pharisees will have evidence that He condones the Roman occupation. If He says ‘No’, the Herodians will accuse Him of treasonous rebellion against the Government. One way or another, they’ve got the evidence they will need to condemn Him.

Or so they think.

The fallacy of the question is that it is based on the assumption that the two things are opposites; whereas in reality, they are not related. If you want infrastructure, it has to be paid for in taxes, and you’re probably better off with Roman project managers rather than relying on the incompetent leadership of Herod. The currency is a piece of metal called a denarius, the value and validity of which is supported and controlled by a Roman-based economy.

On the other hand, God’s currency is love. Unconditional love, expressed in service, justice, freedom. It is not based on physical things, coins, possessions, power; but grace. God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense.