Celebrating the Saints

Remember your leaders, those who spoke the word of God to you; consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith.
-Hebrews 13:7 (NRSV)

I was raised in a denomination that didn't celebrate All Saints' Day. Later, I was introduced to what has become a celebration I look forward to each year.

The pastor at our church said he loved All Saints' Day because it is a good time to reflect on all the saints who have gone before us and those who have made an everlasting impact on our lives. Instead of preaching, he held one of the most memorable services I have ever experienced. He put unlit candles on the altar and invited the congregation to come forward and light a candle in honor of the "saints" in their lives.

I loved hearing my friends one by one gratefully share the names of their saints with the rest of us. Even though I might not know the people they name, I appreciate them and love them for being a part of my friends' lives. And I realize that no matter what beliefs we have, we can each point to specific people in our lives who have nurtured us in our faith, stood by us, and helped us navigate through life. In the same way that my own saints helped to guide me, I hope that I have been and will be a guide to someone else.


Prayer
God, thank you for those who teach us well and help us learn to follow you. Help us to support, encourage, and guide others in this same way. Amen.



From: UpperRoom Devotionals - Joanne Hirase-Stacey