Today is All Saints Day. I am remembering all who have gone before me: Wendell, Charlie, Mike, Mom, Dad, my entire mother’s family, most of my dad’s family, colleagues from where I taught, neighbors from several homes, and friends from three states. I am very grateful that I have one aunt left on my Dad’s side who has taught me so much about his family. They rest from their labors and confessed their Christian faiths to the world. Jesus Christ was their fortress and their strength in the hard battles of life, and He shared in their joys and in their families.
As we struggle in this troubled world, they glory in God’s love; we are thankful for communion and the fellowship of our churches. With fierce strife and long wars, we only dimly hear the triumph song, and our brave hearts and strong arms continue to fight the good fight against the evil that surrounds this world. The golden sun rests in the west as we seek rest from a world we cannot humble without Christ. We walk faithfully towards the sweet calm of paradise. In bright clothing and abundant joy, all the saints rise triumphant as the King of glory passes by. Through earth’s boundaries, from the ocean’s coasts, and through pearl streams, Christians rise up to sing praises to the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. “Alleluia! Alleluia!”
I am grateful for all these saints who have gone before me, for without them, I would be but a clanging cymbal in this noisy world. I sing my praises to God Almighty and to His Son for whom I rise up in faith, strength, and love to greet each and every glorious morning. May I be blessed by the love that surrounds me, and by Christ, whose arms provide love and guidance for my travels. I see the light in the west that draws me ever closer to my blessed family. Christ will take my hand, as He has done for these special people, and will walk with me towards the River Jordon, where I will kiss and hug my family as if no time has passed. We shall walk together to our Father’s eternal home, and we shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Evangelical Lutheran Worship. Minneapolis, Minnesota: Augsburg Fortress Publishers, 2006, page 422.
Anna Hartt
