Remember, remember the fifth of November
gunpowder, treason and plot.
I see no reason why gunpowder treason
should ever be forgot...

With this simple rhyme the treachery of Guy Fawkes is remembered, and the spectacle of exploding fireworks shows what might have happened to the Houses of Parliament if his work had succeeded.

The month of November is full of opportunities to Remember. The visually exciting fireworks displays very soon give way to the sombre sight of falling poppies and the heart-rending silence of the recollection of wartime sacrifices.

For many local people attending the Bereavement Service at St Mary’s, the remembrance is deeply personal. Family members or close friends who have died are remembered amidst tears of pain and thanksgiving.

People and events are drawn closer as we recall, reflect and remember. In some strange way we are changed by the remembrance.

Christian people have known this from the earliest days. Jesus took bread and wine to symbolise his forthcoming death and said to his disciples, “eat and drink them in remembrance of me”. His death and resurrection are remembered – but not just to recall history. By remembering what he did then, we enjoy what he means to us today.

This pattern of remembering might not have the fireworks, but the love and peace of God that it symbolises lasts with us a lot longer.

David Ainge