Today is Halloween, or “All Hallows’ Eve”. In most places I have been, Halloween is little more than an excuse to dress up in costume and, depending on one’s age, either “trick or treat’ or party. Halloween may well have some pagan origins, and without a doubt includes many non-Christian elements today. But All Hallows’ Eve, or All Saints’ Day, is a significant date in many Christian traditions.
Many Christian traditions, both in the East and the West, celebrate All Saints’ Day. It is a time to remember the saints who have gone on before us, and the legacy they have left us. For some, like the Roman Catholics, the saints are just a subset of believers. But for others, all true believers are saints. And, for the latter, All Saints’ Day is a day to remember all of those who have gone before us. They may be renowned heroes of the faith. Or faithful servants who followed Christ in obscurity.
I do not know why many traditions ignore All Saints’ Day. But I believe it could be a wonderful time of celebration. Let’s remember the great cloud of witnesses that surround us (Hebrews 12:1) from throughout history. What a wonderful time to learn about our forebears in the faith and be challenged to follow in their footsteps. And what a good time to remember our loved ones who have been faithful and have joined that cloud of witnesses.
While it is likely too late for your church to remember, and celebrate, those who have gone before us; it is not too late for you to do it individually. It is also not too late to encourage your local church body to consider adding this day to their calendar. To take the time to remember the saints, and what they have given to us.
