[This is one in a series of mid-week Reflections published by Horley Baptist Church during October 2020]
In the liturgical calendars of many branches of Christianity, this period of transition from October to November is often called ‘Allhallowtide”. Hallows is an old-English word for saints. All Saints Day is celebrated on the first Sunday of November, following All Hallows Eve the night before. All Saints Day is an occasion to bring to mind those who have died and, in some denominations, to pray for the peace of their souls.
We too can take this opportunity to thank God for all those who have walked the life of faith before us, who have left us an example whereby we can be encouraged in our own walk with the Lord.
In 1864, William How wrote the following words:
For all the saints who from their labours rest,
who thee by faith before the world confessed,
thy name, O Jesus, be forever blessed.
Alleluia! Alleluia!
In the Biblical context, saints are not just those who have been venerated for some special reason. It is clear from his writings that the apostle Paul used the words ‘saints’ to include all those who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ. For example, in his letter to the church at Ephesus Paul wrote “Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God” [Ephesians 2 v19 NKJV].
On that basis, we can claim our own common heritage with them.
O blessed communion, fellowship divine,
we feebly struggle, they in glory shine;
yet all are one in thee, for all are thine.
Alleluia! Alleluia!
As we celebrate the blessing of Godly predecessors, we should not forget that we are setting examples for those who will follow us. That can be a sobering thought but also an encouraging one.
From earth’s wide bounds, from ocean’s farthest coast,
through gates of pearl streams in the countless host,
singing to Father, Son, and Holy Ghost,
Alleluia! Alleluia!
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Contributed by Steve Humphreys; © the Author
