But we remember the faithfulness of those whose struggle to keep the vision alive, whose faith and faithfulness has brought us to this stage of our life together. Remembering helps us to gain a proper perspective of our own life together, to remember that there are both those who came before us, as well as those who will come after us. It helps us to see that we are not walking the path alone, that there are, as Hebrews says, a host of witnesses who walk it with us. Chief among that host is Jesus himself, who treads the path of faith alongside of us. Remembering in this way gives us courage, knowing that we serve a faithful God - that he who was faithful in the past, remains faithful to us, so that we can stride forward in faith.
Remembrance brings rejoicing.
Outside of the Christian community, remembering may bring some other emotions - a sense of loss, guilt, sorrow over unfinished business. But in the Christian community, in this community, we gather to place our unfinished business, our guilt and sorrow under the cross, to have it healed by our Lord. We know that he can even take our mistakes and sins and, healed by his love, make them instruments to do his will. We believe in a God who can make good to come even out of evil. We believe in a God who holds our past, present and future in the palm of his hand.