“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
(1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
This weekend is All Saints Sunday and as we gather as God’s people we will be reminded that we do not gather just with the people in the room. The communion of saints extends through time and into eternity. We gather with Christians all around the world. We gather with Christians who have gone before us and are now gathered around the throne of God in eternity. In scripture, saints are not just a few superheroes of the faith. In the Bible, “saints” means all the people God has set apart in Christ. It refers to all the baptized!
As we reflect on the people who God has used to impact our lives, we start with gratitude. These people have been a blessing to us and made some important differences in our lives. So All Saints Day is a day of thanksgiving for the ways God comes in and through people to love and shape us.
At the same time, when we think about the people who have made the most positive impact on us, they are often also grateful people. They viewed life as a gift and rejoiced in the blessing it was to be alive and to know the love of God. They most likely impacted us with their own generous spirits – sharing who they were and what they had with us in a way that we simply can’t forget. Gratitude is the first characteristic of a life of faith. What God offers is all gift. When we understand that, we can only say “thank you.”
This week, take time to reflect and remember the folks that God used to make you who you are. Be intentional about offering a prayer of thanksgiving to God for their lives. And if you are able to attend worship, come forward when the time is offered and light a candle and remember with thanksgiving – it’s the first fruit of a life of faith and faithfulness. Thanks be to God!
