Home Message From the Elders November Holidays
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Thursday, 05 November 2009 15:04

Veteran’s Day is celebrated each year in the month of November in the United States.  The purpose of Veteran’s Day is to remember and honor those men and women in the military services who have fought for and defended our country and freedoms over the years.  This day is set aside to give the veterans thanks and recognition for their service to our nation.  Many veterans have defended this nation by giving all, with the forfeiture of their own lives.

If you spend enough time talking with and getting to know a veteran, you will find that most possess a perspective of life that you will not generally find in non-veterans.  They have experience with trials and tribulations, such as separation from family and loved ones, denial of self, and sacrifice. They understand what it means to persevere, and if necessary, to give all.  In essence, they have “been through the fire”.  These military veterans have protected us all.

I hold our military veterans in the highest esteem and regard, and will never diminish their service or memory in any way, but I believe that there are also Christian veterans with similar attributes.

Christian veterans possess a perspective of life that you will not generally find in less experienced, or “young”, Christians.  Christian veterans have experience with trials and tribulations too, such as pain, suffering, loss, denial of self, and sacrifice.  They understand what it means to persevere, and have usually also “been through the fire”.  Many Christian veterans have also forfeited their mortal lives for their belief in our Lord, Jesus Christ.  Christian veterans have knowledge in the Word and experience and wisdom in how to apply the Word to everyday life. They are the individuals that are doing their best everyday to be as Christ-like as possible.  They know they will never achieve this goal, but strive for it nonetheless.  It is not for their edification or glory that they do this, but simply because that is what God wants them to do.  These Christian veterans can be a help and encouragement to us all, as Hebrews 10:25 states:  “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”

It is very appropriate that Thanksgiving Day is the next holiday to be celebrated after Veteran’s Day.  After remembering the service and sacrifice of our veterans, it is proper to give thanks for our blessings.  I believe our veterans are blessings.  I am thankful to the military veterans for their service and sacrifice, and the wisdom and experience they can impart.  Likewise, I am also thankful to the Christian veterans for their service and sacrifice, and the experience and wisdom they can impart.

 
Last Updated on Wednesday, 17 November 2010 19:04