“All Saints Sunday” will be observed at Covenant this Sunday closest to “All Saint’s Day,” November 1st. In Christian Churches, All Saints observance is a day of commemorating saints, “known and unknown,” who are now part of our great cloud of witnesses.
I like the fact that this day recognizes saints both “known and unknown;” for it gives each of us the opportunity to identify saints that were personal and meaningful to us. For me, those saints include my Mom and Dad, many other relatives, mentors and dear friends that have positively impacted my life. I’m blessed that the primary focus of my great cloud of witnesses pointed me to “looking to Jesus in the race of life.”
We all have sheroes/heroes, those who have influenced us on a deeper level either with their lives, what they have done with their lives or the interactions we had with them that impacted our lives. Part of them lives in us and drives who we are. Commemorating the occasion of “All Saints” affirms that their stories have become part of our story.
Hebrews 12 says “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith.” I encourage you this “All Saints” weekend to take a few moments to mediate, be grateful and thank God for those “unknown saints” that have positively impacted your life.
I also invite you to bring pictures of your “unknown saints” to share on the altar with the rest of us as part of our special “All Saints” worship at Covenant this Sunday. In addition to a special liturgy for our great cloud of witness, my sermon will be “Looking to Jesus in the Race of Life” based on Hebrews 12:1-3.
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