All Saints Day

Psalm 116:15 reminds us, "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints." There is nothing quite like All Saints Day. For me, it is a chance to truly give thanks to God for all the blessings of being united to Christ. In Christ, we are united with the heavenly chorus, the invisible church, the church triumphant. Every time we gather together in the Divine Service, we are worshipping with the heavenly saints. As we receive the body and blood of our Savior Jesus Christ on this side of eternity, we are joining with those on the other. When my oldest son goes up to communion now, he talks under his breath to those who are in heaven. May God bless your celebration of All Saints and let us remember, Hebrews 12, "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted." Lord have mercy!