In a current culture of demon and occult focus on Halloween, All Saints’ Day is a great celebration alternative as it commemorates the life and witness of God’s people who model a relationship with God for us. Celebrated on the day after Halloween, November 1st, All Saints' Day remembers those who have lived lives of faith and set an example for us to follow. We see an example of this in Scripture where Paul recalls those who have gone before (Hebrews 11:1-40).
Think about the person who told you about Jesus and his love for you. Now, think about the person that told them. And on...and on...and on. We should be eternally grateful for those who have gone before and passed down the truth of God's word and love. Recalling the great cloud of witnesses (Hebrews 12:1) helps to encourage our own faith journey today. This is what All Saints' Day is about.
Modern hymn writers Keith and Kristyn Getty offer a wonderful example of remembering the saints:
By faith we see the hand of God
In the light of creation's grand design
In the lives of those who prove His faithfulness
Who walk by faith and not by sight
By faith our fathers roamed the earth
With the power of His promise in their hearts
Of a holy city built by God's own hand
A place where peace and justice reign
We will stand as children of the promise
We will fix our eyes on Him our soul's reward
Till the race is finished and the work is done
We'll walk by faith and not by sight
By faith the prophets saw a day
When the longed-for Messiah would appear
With the power to break the chains of sin and death
And rise triumphant from the grave
By faith the church was called to go
In the power of the Spirit to the lost
To deliver captives and to preach good news
In every corner of the earth
By faith this mountain shall be moved
And the power of the gospel shall prevail
For we know in Christ all things are possible
For all who call upon His name
"By Faith"
Words and Music by Keith & Kristyn Getty & Stuart Townend