The writer of the Book of Hebrews (chapter 11) lists a litany of those who faithfully followed God - Abraham and Sarah; Moses, David, Rahab, etc.      And, then, chapter 12 begins with these awesome words relaying a glorious truth:  "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a large crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily hinders our progress.   And let us run with endurance the race that God has set before us.   We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from start to finish."

This Sunday, November 1st, is All Saints Day.    As followers of Jesus Christ we are assured of Jesus' presence and strength for this life, and we have the assurance of life with Jesus forever and ever!     On All Saints Day we especially remember and give thanks for the lives of those saints (followers of  Jesus) who have transitioned from the church militant to the church triumphant.    During the processional hymn which begins our All Saints worship service (at ORUMC)  we will once again sing these words:   "For all the saints, who from their labors rest, who thee by faith before the world confessed, thy name, O Jesus, be forever blest, Alleluia, Alleluia!"  ("For All the Saints" p. 711, United Methodist Hymnal).

Christians will gather to worship all over the world for All Saints Day.   As they do so in the very midst of praising God they will also remember those who are no longer with us, yet who are a part of that "large crowd of witnesses" cheering us on in the Christian journey.    May we say a prayer of thanks to God, light a candle in memory, and name before God those saints who have been a part of  our faith journey and who now "from their labors rest".  Thanks be to God for all the saints!