Every year on December 7th I write a post about Pearl Harbor, about how it was important for the Americans in the 40s to never forget why they were fighting. As the war went on, they clung to Pearl Harbor for renewed reason to keep fighting, keep sacrificing.

This year I was struck by the thought that Semana Santa (Passion Week) is the rallying cry of us Christians. Sometimes being a Christian is like being in a battle. A pastor once told me that whenever you make an initial or renewed effort to walk close to God, Satan will attack. It’s so true! Just when you think you’ve got it all figured out – regular quiet time, daily prayer, a good church, services and ministry – something will happen to knock you off your tracks.

That’s why we need to remember. We need to remember why we’re doing this, why we continue to fight as Christians. Christmas reminds us of the gift that God gave us by sending His Son to us. Good Friday reminds us of the sacrifice that His Son, Jesus made on our behalf. And Easter reminds us that Jesus conquered death, so we have NOTHING to fear! We know that in the end, despite all the battles that we endure right now, HE has already won the war! And that’s the very best news of all!

HE IS RISEN!
He is risen, indeed!

———————–

I love this song. We sing it in church, and I always feel like it’s a prayer for me. Time and time again, I need to be led to the cross, to Remember.

Lead Me To the Cross, by Hillsong

Savior, I come
Quiet my soul
Remember
Redemption’s hill
Where Your blood was spilled
For my ransom
Everything I once held dear
I count it all as lost

Chorus:
Lead me to the cross
Where Your love poured out
Bring me to my knees
Lord I lay me down
Rid me of myself
I belong to You
Oh Lead me, lead me to the cross

You were as I
Tempted and tried
Human
The Word became flesh
Bore my sin and death
Now You’re risen
Everything I once held dear
I count it all as lost