In the silence

On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, the guns finally fell silent after the brutal war tore Europe apart. Today we are all encouraged to spend 2 minute's silence at that time, in order to remember those who died, not just in World War 1 but in every conflict since then.

Remembrance Day continues to be of relevance. Not just for the "old soldiers" who served in the first and second world wars - but for the new soldiers and their families, who remember loss and pain that is much more recent. The death toll of British service personnel in Afghanistan now stands at 446 since Operation Enduring Freedom began.

There is much for Christians to think and pray about during those 2 minutes.

• For the men and women who are now serving in many areas of the world, and whose lives are in danger on a daily basis.
• For the politicians who make the hard decisions to be involved in these conflicts and weigh the often intangible benefits to our own country, the rights and wrongs, and the expense and lives of our people.
• For the families of soldiers, sailors and airmen who must live without them for long periods of time, often anxious about their welfare and wellbeing.
• And thanksgiving for the often selfless service these men and women give in the face of extremely difficult circumstances.

But we can remember too how we are the beneficiaries of another hard-won peace. We serve a Risen Captain who gave his life to defeat the ultimate enemy - death. He served us out of love in silence as he endured the pain, betrayal and separation from God that bought our forgiveness. And our response during the silence should be to praise and adore him. And after the silence to serve him in love as he served us.

My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. - John 15 v 12-13