3 Years, 8 Months, and 16 Days
As of today — November 9th — that’s how long it’s been since Putin’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began. Here in Burghead, many in our community have been deeply involved in supporting, housing, and caring for our Ukrainian friends during that time. Some of them are with us even now.
Since 2022, I’ve listened most weekdays to a podcast called Ukraine: The Latest. It offers daily updates on the war — the politics, the human cost, and most movingly, the voices of ordinary Ukrainians: soldiers, civilians, and leaders living through the horror of conflict.
Anyone who catches even half a sense of the reality of war can’t help but long for peace.
1. Longing for Peace
It’s deeply moving to hear Ukrainians speak of exhaustion and grief, yet cling to hope — not for peace at any cost, but for lasting peace built on justice. Their longing should stir us too — to pray for peace, to work for peace, and to remember Jesus’ words:
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” — Matthew 5:9
Many here know the true cost of war more deeply than I ever will — through service, loss, or family history. For some, today’s remembrance is not abstract; it’s personal.
I think back to Siegfried Sassoon’s haunting poem Attack, describing soldiers climbing into the dawn’s fire — “Lines of grey, muttering faces, masked with fear.” His words end with a cry that still echoes in every generation:
O Jesus, make it stop.
War is sometimes necessary in our fallen world, and we owe profound gratitude to those who serve. Yet we long for the day when no army, navy, or air force will ever be needed again. Will Jesus ever make it stop?
The prophet Micah offers a powerful promise of hope:
“In the last days, the mountain of the Lord’s temple will be established… and peoples will stream to it.” — Micah 4:1
A day is coming, God says, when nations will unite — not through power or politics, but in seeking and obeying Him.
“They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore.” — Micah 4:3
That verse is carved into stone outside the United Nations building. It’s the world we all long for — yet the UN, for all its importance, cannot make it real.
2. Living with War
For much of my lifetime, many believed humanity was progressing toward peace. How naïve that seems now. Conflict has returned to Europe, rages again in the Middle East, and continues in Africa and beyond.
But the truth is, war isn’t only “out there.” It lives in here — in our homes, our communities, our hearts.
Jesus said:
“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.” — John 15:12
We were made for loving relationship — with one another, and with God. But our hearts are fractured. The Bible calls this rebellion sin — not just mistakes, but treason against our Creator.
During World War II, French politician Pierre Laval collaborated with Nazi Germany, sending thousands to concentration camps. After the war, he was executed for treason. The Bible says something shocking: each of us is guilty of treason — not against a nation, but against God.
3. Looking for Hope
So what hope is there for rebels like us?
Micah’s prophecy continues:
“But you, Bethlehem… out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel.” — Micah 5:2
Those familiar Christmas words point to Jesus — the King who came to bring peace not just between nations, but between humanity and God.
Jesus said:
“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” — John 15:13
These words are often read on Remembrance Sunday, but when Jesus spoke them, He was talking about Himself.
Lieutenant John Robert Fox, an American officer in World War II, once called artillery fire on his own position to stop an enemy advance. He died — but his sacrifice saved many others. He “took the fire” so his comrades might live.
That’s what Jesus did — on an eternal scale. At the cross, He took the judgment we deserved so we might live in peace with God. Three days later, He rose again, defeating death and offering forgiveness and new life to all who trust Him.
One day, He will return to establish the kingdom Micah foresaw — where weapons become tools, where nations no longer train for war, and where remembrance will no longer be marked by grief.
Until then, we remember with gratitude those who gave their lives for others. But even more, we remember Jesus — the One who gave His life for His friends.
Greater love has no one than Jesus.
Will you be one of His friends?
Talk Headings
1. Longing for Peace
2. Living with War
3. Looking for Hope
Series: Remembrance Sunday (one off)
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