April 25 is Anzac Day. On this day in Australia and New Zealand we honour members of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps who served and sacrificed their lives during the Gallipoli campaign in World War I.
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During the morning you may have attended a dawn service at a war memorial or cenotaph, and later in the day, you may have chosen to be part of a march to a place of honour for the fallen, or to attend a commemorative service. In recent years, recognising Anzac Day has become increasingly popular.
So, why has commemorating Anzac Day become so popular?
Certainly, most wish to offer their gratitude for the sacrifice made by so many that we may live in our country with relative freedom.
To do so with others in a ritual of some kind adds a depth of meaning and gravity to this recognition.
Also, more recently, younger generations have been encouraged to be involved.
This year, Anzac Day falls hot on the heels of Easter.
Leading up to Easter Day we commemorate the death of Jesus Christ on Good Friday.
It is on this day we call Good Friday that Jesus gave his life that we may have new life in him, eternal life with God.
Following Jesus’ resurrection and ascension, God has given us the living Spirit of Christ to be with us in the world and in the hearts of those who love Jesus.
We read in the Bible in John 15 verse 13 that, ‘Greater love hath no one than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.’
Jesus laid down his life for his friends as well as his enemies.
What more can anyone give than to give their life, even to the point of death?
On Anzac Day we honour all those who have served the countries of Australia and New Zealand, and in doing so, have lost their life. To die for others is the ultimate act of human sacrifice.
We also continue to honour those who serve or have served in the defence forces.
For the church, Anzac Day is an important opportunity to reflect on the notion of sacrifice, the ultimate example of which we have in Christ, and to pray for peace in our world.
Anzac Day is a chance to give thanks for those who laid down their lives for us.
Photo by
Riverine Herald
In commemorating Anzac Day, we do not seek to glorify war, but to give thanks for those who have laid down their lives for us, and to come alongside and pray for those who bear the costs of war, both physically and emotionally.
This Anzac Day I hope that you make time to consider the sacrifice of those who fought for this country and give thanks for them for the freedom we enjoy.
As we commemorate Anzac Day, may we remember the ultimate sacrifice of Christ and strive to live lives marked by love, service and peace.
