Lest We Forget

ANZAC Memorial, Hyde Park, Sydney

The alarm went early for a Saturday morning ... one of those cold mornings when rolling over and pulling the covers up seems a more welcoming proposition. Yet without delay we dressed quietly - aware that others still slept - and left the house.

Our urgency was not due to a planned vacation or visit but to attend an ANZAC Day Dawn Service. As we walked from the car to the venue in the still dark of the pre-dawn, we were joined by many others. An hour later, having stood throughout with solemn reverence, and at times a tear in our eyes, with the sun now having risen, we turned and made our way home. 

ANZAC. An acronym for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps. An acronym which has entered the consciousness of both countries as a word for honour, sacrifice, and loyalty. Where both nations stand united and, as our mayor reminded us in his speech this morning, are separated only by a body of water and the sports' scoreboards.

As we stood together in the cold, political, religious and racial differences were put aside as we remembered those who served - often with their lives - that we might live in peace and freedom.  

ANZAC services are still one of the few public services where prayer and Bible reading is allowed, and where people will stand and bow their heads. At times, depending on who is leading these services, there is often a strong connection with our Christian faith. Sadly, today, was not one of those services.

But as we remember those who were prepared to give up their lives for our freedom, there is a freedom even greater than simply being able to live without an enemy's rule or control. 

There is One who came to give us life ... to free us from the bondage of sin ... to bring peace to all mankind ... Whose rule is not harsh or oppressive ... Whose sacrifice sets us free.

Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. Galatians 5:1

If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. John 8:36

For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. Romans 8:2

Our ANZAC Biscuits were a total fail this year. Either the mixture was too wet (my fault because my scales are not working and I guessed the butter and I was also mixing up a Brownie at the same time so may have doubled some ingredients or left others out), or because the flour was gluten-free (my fault again), or because they were made far larger than the recipe said (DH's fault). Whoever is to blame for how they look, I'll take all the credit for them still tasting great (like a brandy snap but with oatmeal).