Memorial Day is just a few days away. On the last Monday of May, we pause from the usual day-today routines of life and work to remember and honor the legacy of the men and women who died while serving in the United States military.

Memory can be a strange thing. Why do we remember some things but forget others? Why can I remember the lyrics of popular songs from when I was in high school and college but forget where I put the car keys when I came home for lunch? Why can I quote lines from movies I haven’t seen in years but not remember for what reason I walked into a room? As citizens of this country, our freedoms are constantly exercised, and the benefits of this nation are continually enjoyed. Yet, we can easily forget or take for granted how these gifts have come to us.

Memorial Day forces us to stop—even if it is only a fleeting, momentary pause—to remember that this nation and our freedoms have not been handed to us without cost. My grandfather fought in World War II. Although wounded, he returned home. Sadly, many soldiers did not. Many more lives have been lost in conflicts since then. We rightly remember the brave sacrifice of the men and women of the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines, and Coast Guard who died to help keep our nation free and to fight for the cause of freedom around the world.

Yet, on Memorial Day, there is an even greater sacrifice to remember. It is the sacrifice of God’s own Son, Jesus Christ, who gave His life on Calvary’s cross that all people might be free from sin, death, and the power of the devil. His death and resurrection assures us that by faith in Him our citizenship is in heaven (Philippians 3:20). Even if the goodness of this nation and our liberties cease to be, Jesus’ gifts cannot be undone or taken from us.

God’s Blessings,

Pastor Nyck Greig