Dan Czaplewski posted on May 22, 2007 08:48
As Memorial Day weekend approaches, I am looking forward to a chance to relax and have a quieter weekend. I am also remembering how I used to celebrate Memorial Day as a child. Camp outs, family picnics, and parades fill my memories. I’m even old enough to remember when Memorial Day wasn’t always on a Monday. (The designation of Memorial Day as the last Monday of May didn’t happen until Congress passed the National Holiday Act of 1971.)
Of course, a three day weekend isn’t the real reason why we have a Memorial Day. We remember on Memorial Day. We remember that someone else paid the ultimate price so that we could have the freedom to have camp outs, picnics, and parades. As we remember those who died in past wars, centuries ago, we also think of those who serve today in dangerous places. We are humbled to know that our way of life and personal freedoms are their legacy to us.
This weekend is also when the Church celebrates the Festival of Pentecost. We remember how the Holy Spirit was poured out and we celebrate the birthday of the Christian Church. There is a connection between Memorial Day and Pentecost: Memorial Day is about a legacy and so is Pentecost. The Church, which was born on Pentecost, is Christ’s legacy in the world as we have been empowered and equipped by the Holy Spirit.
We pause this weekend to remember our temporal blessings as a nation and the vastness of our spiritual blessings as Christ’s legacy on earth. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, Christians carry Christ’s name and His cause into the world. Much like our national celebration of Memorial Day, being Christ’s legacy is lived out in each of our individual lives. As each of us shares Christ and shows His love to others in humble service, we live out Christ’s legacy in the world.
I pray that you have a safe and enjoyable Memorial Day weekend. I also pray that you take time to give thanks to God for being Christ’s legacy in the world.