Today is the nineteenth anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attack on the United States. Anyone who is old enough to remember the horrific event will never forget where they were or what they were doing when they first heard the news that America had been attacked.

Out of all the tragedy came inspiring stories of heroism. Some passengers on one flight fought back, preventing the terrorists from striking their intended target. Many firefighters and policemen rushed toward ground zero, ignoring the danger in order to try to save others. Civilians on the scene risked their lives in order to help people. Many lost their lives while engaged in these acts of heroism. We remember the courage of those who sacrificed everything in order to save others.

When we take communion, we remember the heroic sacrifice of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Jesus saw the devastation caused by sin, and he rushed to the scene. He came to earth and willingly laid down his perfect life as an atonement for the sinful life of every person who ever lived. This crucified and risen Jesus has the power to save everyone who will come to him in faith to receive the salvation that we all so desperately need.

“He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.”—1 John 2:2.