Marines

Photo Information

Quantico Logo

Photo by

Render Praise

29 Oct 2015 | Lt. Loren Crone, Chaplain MCESG Marine Corps Base Quantico

Psalm 148:5 “Let them praise the name of the LORD, for at his command they were created.”

Every now and then, when I miss a birthday or forget to buy a present, I will jokingly say that I do not celebrate birthdays due to the fact birthday celebrations are pagan in nature. I mean, who would want to take glory from God for one day and place it on themselves? Believe me, that line never works with my wife, or even my mother for that matter. Not because my wife and mother enjoy pagan or secular celebrations, but because they both highly value and prize life. They esteem life above all else, because it was created by God and in His image.

In this upcoming season of celebrations — USMC Birthday, Veteran’s Day, Thanksgiving, Hanukkah and Christmas — we celebrate not just the creation of life, but also the defense of life and life’s most promising ideals. For instance, we celebrate the Birthday of the Marine Corps for all of its great accomplishments, and for the sake of celebrating the passing of the torch from generation of honorable and sacrificial war fighters to the next generation. Veteran’s Day is no different. On this day we show our support and appreciation for those who risked and offered life and limb to protect life and advance freedom. Psalm 144 records the celebratory words of King David, a mighty warrior, “Praise be to the Lord my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle. He is my loving God and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer, my shield, in whom I take refuge.”

The Bible is filled with celebrations of remembrance. From the Passover and Feast of Tabernacles, to Pentecost and the Lord’s Supper, God moves us full circle year after year, bringing us back to what is most important. Annually we celebrate to remind ourselves that God remembers us. Since He made us, He never forgets us. He raised up a Marine Corps to protect and serve us. He raised up a nation to guide us. He raised up a Son to save us. If we fail to celebrate the most important and sacred times in this world, we will fail at so much more. Therefore, in your upcoming celebrations — Praise His holy Name.
Marine Corps Base Quantico