On many a college campus...
Illustration
On many a college campus is located an Old Main or an old something with a high tower containing a very large bell. This bell is rung on special occasions, especially after victories by the athletic teams. As a result, it is not uncommon for such a bell to now be known as "the victory bell."
It was late in 1945, when word finally came: "The war is over!" It was VJ Day, the much prayed-for, long hoped-for end of World War II. Quickly, the bells began to ring. In cities and villages throughout America, church bells joined the celebration. In that moment they became victory bells, loudly proclaiming the good news that peace had finally come.
After each funeral service conducted in a church building, it is common practice to toll the church bell. Slowly and somberly, it is rung once for each year lived by the deceased. Let the church bell become a victory bell --ring it loudly and joyously to declare the victory that has now been claimed by our departed brother or sister in Christ.
Church bells still call people to come and worship. But, every Sunday, they also ring out as victory bells, declaring that no matter what the weather, in good times or bad, no matter how uncertain the future, the victory has already been won by "him who sits on the throne."
It was late in 1945, when word finally came: "The war is over!" It was VJ Day, the much prayed-for, long hoped-for end of World War II. Quickly, the bells began to ring. In cities and villages throughout America, church bells joined the celebration. In that moment they became victory bells, loudly proclaiming the good news that peace had finally come.
After each funeral service conducted in a church building, it is common practice to toll the church bell. Slowly and somberly, it is rung once for each year lived by the deceased. Let the church bell become a victory bell --ring it loudly and joyously to declare the victory that has now been claimed by our departed brother or sister in Christ.
Church bells still call people to come and worship. But, every Sunday, they also ring out as victory bells, declaring that no matter what the weather, in good times or bad, no matter how uncertain the future, the victory has already been won by "him who sits on the throne."
