You may well have heard of the Tower of London poppies, Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red, marking the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War. Created by ceramic artist Paul Cummins, with setting by stage designer Tom Piper, 888,246 ceramic poppies will progressively fill the Tower’s famous moat, culminating on Remembrance Day this year. We had the privilege of seeing this during our visit to London:
This is a powerful visual aid to help us focus on the loss of life during the First World War and is a moving tribute to all who died, as well as raising thousands of pounds to be divided between six service charities. At the same time, as I stood amongst the crowds looking at this scene, I could not help thinking of the song ‘At The Cross (Love Ran Red)’:
‘There’s a place where mercy reigns and never dies,
There’s a place where streams of grace flow deep and wide.
Where all the love I’ve ever found,
Comes like a flood,
Comes flowing down.
At the cross
At the cross
I surrender my life.
I’m in awe of You
I’m in awe of You
Where Your love ran red
and my sin washed white.
I owe all to You
I owe all to You Jesus.
There’s a place where sin and shame are powerless.
Where my heart has peace with God and forgiveness.
Where all the love I’ve ever found.
Comes like a flood,
Comes flowing down.
Here my hope is found
Here on holy ground
Here I bow down
Here arms open wide
Here You save my life
Here I bow down
Here I bow down.’ (‘At The Cross’, Chris Tomlin)