November is here again.

This year seems to be racing out of control to the end of 2024!

What does November mean to you?

Bonfire night, autumn leaves, cosy evenings round the fire, and Remembrance Day?

It is so important to remember important events which shape history - and what could be more important than two World Wars?

By remembering, we learn from the past and make better efforts to live in a better way.

Remembrance Day was an attempt by the generation who had come through World War 1, not only to honour and remember their loved ones who had perished, but also to remember the horrors of war, to avoid future wars.

Unfortunately, this was unsuccessful, but still that silence at 11-00am on 11th November does give us space to remember our departed and to pray for world peace.

In Genesis, there is a story about a world so evil that God decided to destroy it with a flood. However, he saved two of every animal and one family: that of Noah. After they were saved, God sent a rainbow so that humanity could remember God’s mercy and his promise never to give up on humanity –

“Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds,

I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth.”

(Genesis 9:16)

Today the rainbow is still seen as a symbol of hope for a better future.

So yes, on November 11th we will remember all who have so bravely died in service of us all, we will pray for peace. But if you despair of ever seeing peace, if the world seems to be heading for total disaster, remember the rainbow. God has not given up on us, so we must not give up either and remember, God is always there for us, no matter how bad things are and how bad we feel.

And remember - it will soon be Christmas!!

Blessings to all,               Vivienne