Today is November 1^st and on the church calendar it’s Hallowmas. No, I never heard of it either. Last night was All Hallow’s Eve or Halloween.  Today is Hallowmas, All Hallows’ Day or as we more commonly know it, All Saints’ Day.  We honor the saints from all of Christian history.

What is the definition of a saint?  Words do matter.  Sainthood isn’t just given by a group of religious leaders. It’s granted by God Himself to any common, salt-of-the-earth person who simply trusts Christ. We remember the saints of old, the heroes of the church.  But we also celebrate the saints who more recently have gone before us to the throne of God.  It may be your parents, spouse, children or friends – all those you loved and miss.

One hymn most aptly expresses the celebration of All Saints Day.  This is “For All the Saints,” text by William W. How (1827-1897) and music by Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1958).  

The first verse sums up the All Saints’ Day celebration as we know it.
“For all the saints who from their labors rest,
who thee by faith before the world confessed,
thy name, O Jesus, be forever blest.
Alleluia! Alleluia!”

Whatever you choose to call this holiday, take time to remember the lives of the saints who have gone before you.  Even as we mourn, even as we are overwhelmed with grief, we have the assurance that the saints we loved have been welcomed with the saints of old.  This is the promise of the God who loves us unconditionally.

Judy