A preacher was once asked, "How many were in worship this morning?" The preacher confidently answered, "Thousands!" The person who asked the question laughed, "Your sanctuary will not hold more than 200 at best." The preacher answered, "The church is always filled with the Saints that have gone before us! Worship is all they do!"
Sunday is All Saint Day in many traditions of the faith. It is a day that we remember. Some traditions will light a candle remembering those who have died within the last year. Others will invite members to name aloud those who have long won their reward in heaven. It is about remembering the faithful.
We remember those who loved God more than life itself. They readily sacrificed their life for the sake of the Gospel. We remember those persons in our family that taught us the faith by and word and example. We remember those people in our life that dedicated themselves to the church and its service. They were Sunday School teachers, musicians, Bible teachers, youth counselors, and so on. Service was not a "jail sentence" or "serving time". It was a holy obligation or honor. It was a calling.
The lights of the this weekend for some are not about goblins and witches. The lights that shine are about faithful witness. It is about remember those who treated our life with their presence and their love of God and love of life.
This weekend give thanks for those whose rest is won. And while you are worshipping, if you open your heart and mind, you will not be surprised to feel that worship has more in attendance than one can see!
Pray for me as I pray for you.
In the Master's Name,
Rev. Dr. Jack O'Dell
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