“And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also.”
John 14:3 (NRSVue)
As November approaches, we prepare to celebrate All Saints’ Day, a time when we remember and give thanks for the lives of those who have gone before us in faith. It is a sacred opportunity to remember the people who have shaped our lives, shared God’s love with us, and left lasting impressions on our hearts.
For many of us, remembering those we love brings a mixture of emotions. There is gratitude for the time we shared, joy in the memories we treasure, and sometimes the pain of missing someone dearly. Grief is part of loving someone, and even as people of faith, we are not immune to its pain. But our faith reminds us that grief is not the end of the story.
Jesus tells his disciples that he is preparing a place for them and promises that they will be together again. What a beautiful assurance! Because of Christ’s resurrection, we trust that death is not the end of life, but the beginning of life everlasting in God’s presence. And we hold on to the wonderful hope that one day we will be reunited with those we love.
On Sunday, November 1st, we will gather in worship to remember and celebrate the lives of those who have gone before us. As we speak their names, we do so with grateful hearts, trusting in God’s promises and the hope of the resurrection.
If you would like to have the name of a loved one read during our All Saints’ Day remembrance, please contact the church office before October 30th.
May we find comfort in the memories we cherish, peace in the promises of Christ, and joy in the blessed assurance that through God’s grace, we have the gift of everlasting life.
Thanks be to God!
Grace and peace,