Slideshow image

The Meaning Behind All Saints’ Day

By Pastor Kristen Buchs

                                           (Adapted from an article written for UMC.org by Joe Lovino.                                                                                                     Originally published 10/28/2015)

 

“Precious in the sight of the Lord Is the death of His saints.” Psalm 116:15 NKJV

     This Sunday November 1, is All Saints Day, which  a sometimes-overlooked holy day in United Methodist congregations, but not here!  All Saints Day is not nearly as well known as the day before, All Hallows' (Saints') Eve, better known as Halloween, but is far more important in the life of the church. John Wesley, founder of the Methodist movement, enjoyed and celebrated All Saints Day. In a journal entry from November 1, 1767, Wesley calls it "a festival I truly love."

     In studying John Wesley's theological method, scholars have found four, inter-related theological guidelines: Scripture, tradition, experience, and reason. These are the sources of our understanding of our faith. By tradition we mean all that has gone before us in the Christian church. We are part of a long history that goes back through John Wesley, to the early days of the Church, and the apostles of Jesus. When we think theologically, we need to keep in mind the creeds, prayers, sermons, books, music, and all other ways Christians have understood the work of God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit in their lives. All Saints Day is an opportunity to give thanks for those who have gone before us in the faith. It is a time to celebrate our history; what United Methodists call the tradition of the church.

     From the early days of Christianity, there is a sense that the Church consists of not only all living believers, but also all who have gone before us. For example, in Hebrews 12 the author encourages Christians to remember that a "great cloud of witnesses" surrounds us encouraging us, cheering us on. On All Saints Day we can remember all those who are part of the "communion of saints" we confess each week as we recite our Affirmation of Faith, The Apostles' Creed. We share stories of those "to glory gone." Retelling these stories grounds us in our history. These memories teach us how God has provided for us through the generosity and sacrifice of those who have come before us. The stories of the saints encourage us to be all God has created us to be.

     We also think of the inspirational people with whom we worship on Sunday, and those across the world we will never meet. We celebrate fellow United Methodists who inspire us, and those of other denominations whose lives encourage us. We give thanks for those with whom we agree, as well as those whose views we do not share. Additionally, we remember and pray for our sisters and brothers in Christ who faithfully follow Jesus in places where being labeled a Christian puts them in harm's way.

     On All Saints Day, we recognize that we are part of a giant choir singing the same song. It is the song Jesus taught his disciples; a tune that has resonated for more than 2,000 years; a melody sung in glory and on the earth. Our great privilege is to add our voices to this chorus.

     On All Saints Day, let us give thanks for both the saints in glory and those on earth, who have led us to Jesus. As they have shared the gospel with us, may we add our voices so someone else may hear about the grace and love of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. For when we tell someone about the love and grace of Jesus, we are impacting eternity! Thanks be to God for the lives of His saints!