On Saturday we commemorate and pay our respects to the brave men and women of Australia and of New Zealand who died or suffered in the tragedy of war. In particular we remember the landing at Gallipoli on the morning of April 25th, 1915. This year we might have a sober sense of connection as we remember how wars also had massive impact globally and nationally. 

It is at our Anzac services we are reminded of the sacrificial spirit of Anzac “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” The full quote is from Jesus, 

John15:12-14 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. 

The intent of Christ’s command is we would love others as Jesus has loved our world. We would use our lives for the good of others, even our enemies. Have we not seen this kind of love shown through our nation this year? 2020 will go down as one of our most challenging. Through the bushfires Aussies battled bravely and came together to support one another. Now we lockdown to contain a pandemic. Not only are Aussies careful to do what is right to protect one another, they look for opportunities to help others out. We see it in our neighbourhoods, we see it in our church. 

This is an extraordinary country to belong to. We have our faults, but we are overwhelmed with blessing. As we remember them, we can only be grateful for those young Aussies that fought for the people and the country they loved and the one we enjoy today. 

With thanks 

Jason (Photo by David Clode on Unsplash)