At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.
These famous lines from Laurence Binyon’s poem, ‘For the Fallen’, conjure powerful images of poppies and old soldiers and people standing in silence. But for many – most – of us, the events about which they were written have faded into history like the Armada or the Great Fire of London. Yes, they happened, but they didn’t happen to us, or to anyone we know.
Here are some thoughts on how we can bring the power and significance of Remembrance into contact with our everyday lives.
First, a trio of reflective crafts, suitable for adults and kids, then a simple reflection with prayers that you can use with or without the crafts.
Crafts
For the first two crafts, print out the attached PDF ‘At the going down of the sun’. For a quick-and-easy craft, you can simply colour the top half first, using sun colours inside the circle and sky colours outside, and fill in the letters. Then turn the paper upside down and repeat on the other side. Fold in half along the horizon and glue the ends to see that sunset and sunrise are two sides of the same thing.
For the sun-catcher version, cut away the sun circle and place the paper printed side down on a table. Tear tissue paper shreds and fill the top half of the circle in sun colours, then lay strips of sticky tape across the top half of the hole to secure them in place. It doesn’t matter if a few of shreds of paper go into the lower half. You can then colour in the sky and the ‘At the going down of the sun’ lettering on the front. Why not add some silhouette birds and trees?
For the sunrise half, place the paper face down again and fill in the rest of the sun with tissue paper shreds. Hold them in place with strips of tape and finish the front as before. When you fold your paper in half and glue the ends, the sunset and sunrise will blend together – a beautiful picture of how we live in the light of both.
The final version uses watercolour paper. Draw a pale pencil circle in the middle of your paper and use water to wet the top half of the circle. Load your brush with thin watercolour paints in sun colours and tap it on the damp paper, allowing the colours to swirl and mix.
While that is drying (you can help it along with a hair dryer), you can paint the sky on the other half in purples, blues, corals and pinks.
Now turn your paper around and dampen the other side half of the circle. Again, allow your paints to mix and form their own patterns in the sunrise. Add the other half of the sky and, when all is dry, the lettering for ‘At the going down of the sun’ on one side and ‘And in the morning’ on the other. Finally, draw in the horizon and details in black marker if you want.
You can fold this in half and glue as before, or leave it flat. Which way up will you display it?
At the going down of the sun
Think of a sunset you have seen. Recall the colours, the sounds, the feelings. Sunset is often poignant – the end of a day, a time to look back and think about what has happened.
We can think about the end of other things too. At Remembrance we think of those who gave their lives in the World Wars to protect our freedom. We also remember those who risk their lives today for the benefit of others in many different ways – firefighters, lifeboat crew, doctors and nurses, rescue and relief workers, especially in areas of conflict.
We thank you, God, for the courage and dedication of all who work for the good of others. For those who have died, we commend them to your goodness. For those who mourn the loss of loved ones, we bring them to your tender care.
Amen.
But there are other endings too. What has ended in your life in the past year? Have you ended a job or a role that you loved? Perhaps one you hated? Who is not part of your life anymore? Have you ended something you endured, or are you missing something that you treasured?
All of these are sunsets. We can look back with gratitude for what was good, and give thanks that something hard is now gone.
Father God, we bring to you our sunsets. For some things that have ended, we are sad. Be with us as we weep. Others, we keep in our hearts with fond remembrance. For both, we thank you.
Amen.
Let’s take a few moments to think about our sunsets this year or over several years. If you like, you can complete the top half of your sunset/sunrise card.
And in the morning
We have thought about our sunsets – the people, places, sorrows and songs we have lost over the years. But remember – each sunset is followed by a sunrise.
In Remembrance, we recall with sadness the lost lives in conflicts the world over. And we remember with pride and joy their courage and service. We give thanks for all who strive to guard our freedom and serve those in need.
We thank you, God, for those who work to make your world a better place for all. In their courage and service, they follow the example of Jesus to seek and save the lost. May we also live generous and selfless lives and learn to love our neighbour as ourselves.
Amen.
Some sunrises are bright and full of colour – we can be glad for what was and glad again for what now is. Both are good and we rejoice. But not all sunrises are like this.
Sometimes we are mourning what is lost and can see nothing better in its place. These dawns are little more than night ambling away with its hands in its pockets, cross at being disturbed. Nevertheless, sunrise follows sunset, even if there are no skies of glory.
What are your sunrises of the past year? What or who is part of your life now that was not last year? A change might be something longed for and eagerly awaited, or it might be something you have long dreaded. What is new and exciting? What is new and scary?
Father God, you say we need not worry about the future, we need only to place our hand in yours and walk with you. With all the new people, places and situations of our lives, help us to trust you.
Amen.
Let’s spend a while thinking about the sunrises that follow our sunsets. You can turn your sunset/sunrise card around and complete the other side. When you have finished, fold the card in half along the horizon and remember that the sunset and sunrise are two sides of the same event, and God is with us in both.
For the Fallen
By Laurence Binyon (1869—1943)
With proud thanksgiving, a mother for her children,
England mourns for her dead across the sea.
Flesh of her flesh they were, spirit of her spirit,
Fallen in the cause of the free.
Solemn the drums thrill; Death august and royal
Sings sorrow up into immortal spheres,
There is music in the midst of desolation
And a glory that shines upon our tears.
They went with songs to the battle, they were young,
Straight of limb, true of eye, steady and aglow.
They were staunch to the end against odds uncounted;
They fell with their faces to the foe.
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.
They mingle not with their laughing comrades again;
They sit no more at familiar tables of home;
They have no lot in our labour of the day-time;
They sleep beyond England’s foam.
But where our desires are and our hopes profound,
Felt as a well-spring that is hidden from sight,
To the innermost heart of their own land they are known
As the stars are known to the Night;
As the stars that shall be bright when we are dust,
Moving in marches upon the heavenly plain;
As the stars that are starry in the time of our darkness,
To the end, to the end, they remain.
Source: The London Times (1914)
The Reflectionary 