Three Day Fall Festival for the Church Part 2: All Saints Day

I find it super interesting that we have a fall festival in the church that we really do not celebrate. Traditionally the church has celebrated a group of holidays or a festival during the fall. Much like in the spring, the church has three consecutive days of holidays to celebrate. In the spring, the festival is Maudy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday. Our FALL FESTIVAL is All Hallows Eve, All Saint's Day, and All Soul's Day. Each day has a meaning and a reason for existing.

This week we are focusing on All Saints Day. All Saints Day is a day to celebrate the followers of Jesus, who we know lived extraordinary lives. I like to think of this as a day to honor those we look up to and who may inspire us. Remember, this festival comes after a season of learning how to follow Jesus. What better way to end the season than by recognizing those who lived tremendous lives following and serving Jesus. Traditionally, the church has celebrated the apostles, prophets, martyrs, and saints (holy people) on this day. I think we associate this day with only the "official saints" of a church or particular denomination. However, we can celebrate the local saints. You know them. The lady who recently passed who was a giant prayer warrior in the church. The faithful person who created and organized the outreach to the poor in the community. The deacon who served the church for 40 years. We have saints in our communities, and we should remember and honor them too. Yes, we should remember and celebrate Peter, Paul, Isaiah, Huldah, and those in the Bible who were great servants of God and Jesus's followers. However, we shouldn't forget those we have known in our lives who have shaped our lives and churches.

Who are those you can celebrate that have shaped your life, inspired you, or impacted your church?