The Shadow of Sacrifice
By Ryan Dawson
What does it take for someone to give their life so that others can live in freedom? This Tuesday, we pause as a nation to remember all who have given their lives so that we can experience freedom, hope, and joy. There is no greater act of love than laying down one’s life so others may live. Jesus reminds us of this truth:
“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” John 15:13
We thank God for the countless men and women—past, present, and future—who have sacrificed so much to keep us safe and free here in Canada. The freedoms we enjoy today came at great cost. We must never forget.
Their sacrifice also points us to the Ultimate Sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who gave His life to rescue us from darkness and bring us into the Kingdom of light. Because of Jesus, we stand in true freedom—with hope for today and for all that is to come. We have so much to be grateful for as we live in the shadow of sacrifice.
As we enter this week of remembrance, here are a few meaningful ways you can honour those who have served and reflect on Christ’s love:
• Wear your poppy with gratitude.
• Participate in a Remembrance Day ceremony.
• Write a thank-you letter as a family to someone serving in Canada or overseas.
• Speak with a veteran and thank them personally.
• Visit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and offer a prayer of thanks.
• Watch the national ceremony on November 11 and observe the two minutes of silence.
• Read John 15 and pray a prayer of thanksgiving for Jesus’ sacrificial love.
• Join us this Sunday at Sequoia as we celebrate the freedom we have in Christ and the privilege of living in Canada.
With love and gratitude,
Blessings, Ryan
What does it take for someone to give their life so that others can live in freedom? This Tuesday, we pause as a nation to remember all who have given their lives so that we can experience freedom, hope, and joy. There is no greater act of love than laying down one’s life so others may live. Jesus reminds us of this truth:
“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” John 15:13
We thank God for the countless men and women—past, present, and future—who have sacrificed so much to keep us safe and free here in Canada. The freedoms we enjoy today came at great cost. We must never forget.
Their sacrifice also points us to the Ultimate Sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who gave His life to rescue us from darkness and bring us into the Kingdom of light. Because of Jesus, we stand in true freedom—with hope for today and for all that is to come. We have so much to be grateful for as we live in the shadow of sacrifice.
As we enter this week of remembrance, here are a few meaningful ways you can honour those who have served and reflect on Christ’s love:
• Wear your poppy with gratitude.
• Participate in a Remembrance Day ceremony.
• Write a thank-you letter as a family to someone serving in Canada or overseas.
• Speak with a veteran and thank them personally.
• Visit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and offer a prayer of thanks.
• Watch the national ceremony on November 11 and observe the two minutes of silence.
• Read John 15 and pray a prayer of thanksgiving for Jesus’ sacrificial love.
• Join us this Sunday at Sequoia as we celebrate the freedom we have in Christ and the privilege of living in Canada.
With love and gratitude,
Blessings, Ryan