I think with the passing years All Saints Day is becoming one of my favorite days on our church calendar. I love me some Halloween as we celebrate it in our culture, but I’m also starting to love what Halloween is the ‘Eeen of even more and because of that we began our All Saints celebrating earlier in the week emphasizing the special day that was coming. I’m even contemplating a different route next year of dressing as saints for Halloween. Another teaching opportunity and wonderful way to remember those of the Church Triumphant.
From Revelation 7:
“After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. 10 And they cried out in a loud voice:
“Salvation belongs to our God,
who sits on the throne,
and to the Lamb.”
Then one of the elders asked me, “These in white robes—who are they, and where did they come from?”
14 I answered, “Sir, you know.”
And he said, “These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.15 Therefore,
“they are before the throne of God
and serve him day and night in his temple;
and he who sits on the throne
will shelter them with his presence.
16 ‘Never again will they hunger;
never again will they thirst.
The sun will not beat down on them,’
nor any scorching heat.
17 For the Lamb at the center of the throne
will be their shepherd;
‘he will lead them to springs of living water.’
‘And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.’“
The more life I have under my belt the more I long for that final rest when those of us washed in the blood of the lamb will be delivered from the great tribulation of life in this world. To finally and for all time be delivered from the pain, suffering, loss, grief, daily troubles of the flesh and fight with sin.
On this day we think on those who have already received this eternal rest and joy.
From “The Martyrdom of Polycarp:”
Accordingly, we afterwards took up his bones, as being more precious than the most exquisite jewels, and more purified than gold, and deposited them in a fitting place, whither, being gathered together, as opportunity is allowed us, with joy and rejoicing, the Lord shall grant us to celebrate the anniversary of his martyrdom, both in memory of those who have already finished their course, and for the exercising and preparation of those yet to walk in their steps. (Chapter 18) [Emphasis added]
(Refered from this post.)
And we the church still here on earth look forward with blessed HOPE to our turn to join our brothers and sisters who have finished their course.
As with Easter on All Saints Day we are pointed to Christ’s Resurrection and how we have been joined to that resurrection in our Baptism.
“I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die.” John 11:25
“We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” Romans 6:4
It is these great promises of God that comfort me more each year. It is the examples of His faithfulness in the face of great pain or persecution from the saints I know (friends and family) and those I have never known that comfort me as well.
We have been washed with the blood of the lamb. We have been clothed in His perfect white robe of righteousness. And after this life we will be sheltered in His eternal presence, never hungry, never thirsty, never scorched by this sun again. Our tears wiped away for all time.
“In the meantime we wait for the Savior who will bring down to us from heaven eternal righteousness, live, honor, and glory.” Martin Luther
One of my favorite, too. (Although I do a lot of crying)
I’m starting to do a lot of that too Katy. Had to give myself a break during one of the hymns this year! Mama can’t lose it in the pew you know!