Today, the church celebrates those who have preceded us in heaven – the saints, as they are referred to. This includes all those who have passed away, believing that Jesus redeemed them and prepared a special home for them in paradise. Not really knowing what heaven will be like, it’s hard to even begin to imagine what lays before us as we pass into those pearly gates leading to eternal life. When you attend a funeral, you might hear words like – He/she is in a better place – no sorrow or pain – new bodies without infirmities – sitting on a cloud – singing praises to God. You might even hear someone suggest that the loved one is playing cards – having coffee – bowling or playing golf – enjoying the good life. Somehow, those words, meant to give us comfort, really don’t. To know that they are alive again – that they have resurrected from death to life – that they are talking face to face with Jesus – that there is no more sin – that life is perfect – those are words that give us peace. Yet comfort doesn’t come to those who are left behind. It may take many years to recover from the loss of one we love. Their memory has been etched into our hearts and become part of us. Their legacy becomes ours eventually, as we follow the road they have laid for us.

The church of today has given us this “holiday” to thank God for the truth of eternal life. Protestants set this day aside to meditate on that fact and look forward to it. It is looked at as a festival. The Roman Catholic church has chosen to celebrate All Saints Day as a day of obligation and prayer for those who have died and paved the way for the rest of us to follow. Which ever way you choose to look at this day, it truly is a time of celebration. This is not just a day for saints like Peter and Paul. It isn’t reserved for the heroes of faith, like Moses, Abraham, David or Samson. The day is a time to reflect on those who trusted in God’s promise of salvation for those who believe in Him. It includes the very young, the teenagers, the middle-agers and the elderly. It includes every resident of heaven. We don’t know what heaven will be like, but I am certain it exists – that it will resemble the Garden of Eden which God originally created for man – and that I’m going there some day. How about you?

1 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!

2 Thou wast their Rock, their Fortress and their Might;
Thou, Lord, their Captain in the well-fought fight;
Thou, in the darkness drear, their one true Light.
Alleluia, Alleluia!

3 O blest communion, fellowship divine!
We feebly struggle, they in glory shine;
yet all are one in Thee, for all are Thine.
Alleluia, Alleluia!

4 And when the strife is fierce, the warfare long,
steals on the ear the distant triumph song,
and hearts are brave again, and arms are strong.
Alleluia, Alleluia!

5 But then there breaks a still more glorious day:
the saints triumphant rise in bright array;
the King of glory passes on His way.
Alleluia, Alleluia!

6 From earth’s wide bounds, from ocean’s farthest coast,
through gates of pearl streams in the countless host,
in praise of Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Alleluia, Alleluia!

Author – William Walsham How (1864)