Sacrifice

My husband and I had the humbling opportunity to help place wreaths at Fort Indiantown Gap National Cemetery yesterday as part of the Wreaths Across America volunteer event that places wreaths on veteran gravesites across the United States every December. This event was started in 1992 by Morrill Worcester who also owned Worcester Wreath Company. They had a surplus that year and he had the idea of placing wreaths at Arlington National Cemetery. You can read the full history at www.wreathsacrossamerica.org . This was our third year helping with the event, after my (step)daddy was buried there in December 2021. I remember driving through after his ceremony and thinking how beautiful the wreaths looked, uniformly placed throughout the grounds. 

The day opens with an hour-long ceremony in which each branch of the military is honored, Gold Star families are recognized, several short speeches are given, we sing the National Anthem, ending with taps and a three-volley salute. As an American, I don't have pride in our leaders, but I can't see how any American doesn't feel the blessing to live in our country with the freedoms we are privileged to have. "May we always remember the price that was paid for the freedoms we enjoy," said John Spruyt, Indiantown Gap National Cemetery Director. This thought led me to think of the salvation I am also privileged to have. In the same way the soldier lays down his life for his country and a cause he feels is worth dying for, Jesus Christ laid down his life for us, His creation that He felt was worth laying down His life for. 

It goes without saying that the gift of salvation is on a much higher plane than that of freedom. One ensures us a better life while living and the other ensures us an eternal life after death. As Christmas draws near, one of the most important holidays as a Christian, may we take time to remember how Jesus chose to leave heaven to come to earth as a baby. Fully God, but fully human. It is a concept I cannot entirely grasp, but one that I am fully thankful for. As Jesus grew, I think he knew his purpose. There are many verses in which he tells his disciples about the foreshadowing of his death and resurrection. Luke 9:22 (CSB) "It is necessary that the Son of Man suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests, and scribes, be killed, and be raised the third day." We, who believe in the resurrection, can argue that it was no big deal because he knew he would be raised back to life after three days, but he still had to go through the torturous, painful death. of which he asked, "...if it is possible, let this cup pass from me." Matthew 26:39 (CSB) The entire purpose of the life of Jesus Christ was to end in a sacrifice that would open up the chance of salvation for the entire human race. 

Whether you attend a church service this Christmas season, celebrate or don't celebrate Christmas in whichever way you choose, remember the soldiers who fight to give us the opportunity to have the freedom of religion. As you finish reading, it is my hope that the thought of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ is stuck in your mind. Whatever doubt you may feel, whatever questions come to your mind, I invite you to search for those answers. If you'd like, I invite you to email me at myjourkneeback@gmail.com