The Miracle on the River Kwai, written by Ernest Gordon, is one of the most remarkable stories of the Second World War.

The conditions for Allied prisoners in the Japanese prisoner-of-war camp on the River Kwai were so abysmal, and the mortality so high, that the men became almost bestial in their selfishness. They did not shrink from stealing food from their dying mates in a desperate attempt to survive. 

The ‘miracle’ was the transformation of attitudes in that camp as people in it began to understand and respond to the love of Christ. How did that begin to get through to men in such desperate conditions? It all started with a Scotsman, Angus McGilvray, who literally gave his life for his friend. The friend was very ill and about to die. Someone had stolen his blanket. Angus gave him his own. Someone had stolen his food. Angus gave him his own. The result? Angus’ friend got better. But Angus collapsed one day from starvation and exhaustion, and died.

May we receive and celebrate the self-sacrificial, saving love of Christ at this time!

Grace and peace, Jonathan.