“For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.” 1 Peter 3:18-19

Memorial Day.  A day given to us to remember those who have fought and died for our freedom.  How thankful I am to be blessed to live in a country that has given me the incredible gift of independence.  However, as I remember those who went before me, I can’t help but think of the One who came and died to give me my ultimate freedom – deliverance from this life of bondage.  Don’t get me wrong – my life here is abundantly full of blessings that I’m incredibly grateful for, but I also recognize this world carries with it a price called sin – and sin inevitably leads to a fallen world full of sorrow and pain.  So, today, as I approach His throne in remembrance of heroes who have battled for my blessings here on earth, I’ll also recognize my Savior, Jesus Christ, who took on flesh specifically to die for me, so that I may experience a divine and glorious freedom like no other in a country I was made to live in with Him.

The following are the words from one of my favorite songs “In Christ Alone.”  The words fill me with thankfulness and hope.  I pray they touch you as they do me.

“In Christ alone my hope is found; He is my light, my strength, my song; This cornerstone, this solid ground, firm through the fiercest drought and storm. What heights of love, what depths of peace, when fears are stilled, when strivings cease!  My comforter, my all in all – here in the love of Christ I’ll stand.

In Christ alone, Who took on flesh, Fullness of God in helpless babe!   This gift of love and righteousness, scorned by the ones He came to save.  Till on that cross as Jesus died, the wrath of God was satisfied; For every sin on Him was laid – here is the death of Christ I live.

There in the ground His body lay, light of the world by darkness slain;  then bursting forth in glorious day, up from the grave He rose again!  And as He stands in victory, sin’s curse has lost its grip on me; For I am His and He is mine – bought with the precious blood of Christ.

No guilt in life, no fear in death – this is the power of Christ in me; from life’s first cry to final breath, Jesus commands my destiny.  No power of hell, no scheme of man, can ever pluck me from His hand; till He returns or calls me home – here is the power of Christ I’ll stand.”

On this Memorial Day, may you be blessed beyond measure with the hope that is found in Christ alone!