Happy All Saints Day!
Most of us protestants do not have a formal celebration on All Saints Day. Catholics, Anglicans, Eastern Orthodox and other Christian churches light candles and have special liturgies in honor of both the “saints” in their particular movement and their own dead loved ones. In the 9th Century, Pope Gregory IV set November 1st as a day to remember martyred Christians and it has been the same in the West ever since.
I think our desire to distance ourselves from the unbiblical practice of praying to or worshipping those who were recognized as official saints in the Catholic tradition has caused our own tradition to lose sight of another great moment in the church calendar. (Traditionalism can quench the Spirit, but good traditions can be the means of deeper grace moments with the Holy Spirit.)
We’re not holding a special service at our church today. But I am taking a few minutes to think about the saints the Lord put in my life. They have been amazing mentors, supporters, fellow-travelers and examples of how to live in the presence and power of the Holy Spirit.
If I were prone to light candles for such things, here’s my short list of “candle worthy” saints in my life who have gone on to Heaven:
- Phil Query – pastor and friend with a deep heart love for Jesus and broken people.
- Loy Watson – old school pastor under whose preaching I was sanctified and who mentored me to understand my call to ministry.
- Will’m and Nell Ramsey – Mom and Dad. Practical, loving, faith-filled and faithful.
- Anita Crank – dear aunt who walked as close to Jesus as anyone I knew.
- Don Walker – Dad-in-law. My source of wisdom for all things financial and caring and generous beyond measure.
- Bruce Chamberlain – he probably makes this list for more people than anyone I know. Friend, supporter, mentor, encourager, prayer partner. I really miss him today.
- Grandparents. Of course.
- Others. It’s so hard to keep this list short!
I had fourteen aunts and uncles and their spouses. They are all gone on to Heaven except my Aunt Geneva. They all make this list, too!
There is a long list of brothers and sisters from Willowwood Church who have gone on to Heaven but whose influence lives on. Dan, John, Carolyn, Sharley, Bud, Norma, Chuck, Charles, Iris, Will, Catherine, Ruth, Jean, Lester, Lucille, Ruby Nell, Bob, Arlene, Ron, Ray, Herb, Larry… And several others I can’t think of right now. (Please forgive me for the omissions here…) They were all his saints! Just as we who belong to Jesus are His saints today. Thank you, Lord, for these incredible saints!
I am not looking on this list with sadness today! Not one of these saints would want that. As I thought of each one here, I could see that saint in action and smiling! I could see them talking to me, cooking, teaching, greeting, fishing, praying, working, caring fo
r kids, giving, singing or laughing. I am so inspired by what they did. I still see the ripples through the generations in the Kingdom of God today. The ripples were caused by their faith and their faithfulness. They continue on.
“…Yes, says the Spirit, they are blessed indeed, for they will rest from their hard work; for their good deeds follow them!” – Revelation 14:13 [NLT]
There is a longer list of you “living saints.” Your time to touch others and influence lives is still here today. So, seriously! Happy All Saints Day! Be inspired by those who have gone on before you. Live “candle-worthy” lives before those who you go before! Live so that you make someone’s All Saints Day list!
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Mark Ramsey
Pastor Mark Ramsey 