Scripture Hosea 11:1-9

Hosea 11:1-9

When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called: “My son”.

The more I called them,

the more they went from me; they kept sacrificing to the Baals, and offering incense to idols.

 Yet it was I who taught Ephraim to walk, I took them up in my arms; but they did not know that I healed them.  I led them with cords of human kindness, with bands of love. I was to them like those who lift infants to their cheeks. I bent down to them and fed them.

They shall return to the land of Egypt or Assyria shall be their king, because they have refused to return to me. The sword rages in their cities, it consumes their oracle-priests, and devours because of their schemes. My people are bent on turning away from me! To the Most High they call, but he does not raise them up at all.

 How can I give you up, Ephraim? How can I hand you over, O Israel? How can I make you like Admah? How can I treat you like Zeboiim? My heart recoils within me; my compassion grows – warm and tender.

 I will not execute my fierce anger; I will not again destroy Ephraim; for I am God and no mortal,

I am the Holy One in your midst, and I will not come in wrath.

Lighting the Peace Candle at Sharon Church

At thee time of Veteran’s Day and 100 years after the Great War ended.

November 10,2019

Today, near the 100th anniversary of the ending of World War I, we light our Peace Candle for the times when the need for peace has called for war.

We light this candle for the 37.5 million who died because of World War I at a rate of 230 for every hour of fighting; 11% of Frances total population died, 68% of all the Australians involved in the conflict died, for the 8 million horses who died, and 1 million dogs who died.

We light it remembering that 7 million people were physically maimed by bullets, bombs, and gas. We remember too those who were emotionally/mentally maimed by what was called “Shell Shock”. We remember that the costs included land, money, innocence, friends, family, and in some cases the increase of anger.

We light this candle for all those who live because the war was won when it was.

We light this Peace Candle for those who died so others might live and for all those ways people suffered to bring people to pray that this would be the war to end all wars. In a hundred years we have not learned how to prevent war.

May this candle shine as a memorial, beacon, and a commitment.

[Light candle]