Eric Reece
“And I heard a voice from heaven saying, “Write this: Blessed are the dead who from now on die in the Lord.”
“Yes,” says the Spirit, “they will rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them” (Revelation 14:13).
Early in my ministry, I was invited to speak at a number of Decoration Sundays. Many of these events were held at cemeteries that were off the beaten path. Some were named for the community and some named for the families who were interned there.
Usually, the date was the same every summer. The cemetery was mowed, cleaned and old flowers removed. The grounds looked wonderful, with fresh flowers and displays added.
Baskets of food were brought to enjoy after the preaching, so I kept the message short.
One beautiful Sunday afternoon, the cemetery I spoke at had a stump in the middle of the graves. I stood on the stump and spoke about the “great cloud of witnesses” that surrounded us. The witnesses were those who influenced our lives and – even though they were no longer with us – they had been received into glory. We miss them terribly, but we ”do not grieve as others do who have no hope.”
In the days of the early Christian Church, John the Baptist and martyrs of the faith were remembered annually on the day they died. This became their feast day in the church.
As centuries passed and more gave their lives for the faith, the church observed a single day to remember all those saints – including those who did not have a feast day. All Saints Day is Nov. 1, but often celebrated the first Sunday in November.
After the Protestant Reformation, All Saints was retained as a special day to honor saints and the church members who had died in the past year. We light a candle in their memory; ring a bell at the calling of their name; and give thanks for the victory over sin and death they have received in Jesus Christ.
In Mexico, All Saints and All Souls days are combined as Day of the Dead, or Día de los Muertos. This is a national holiday, with children enjoying a holiday from school. Mexican communities in the United States celebrate the holiday and images of decorated skulls have become common in apparel, artwork and jewelry. This increased with the popularity of the animated children’s film Coco, which is based on the day.
A festive time, it celebrates the life of deceased family members. Home altars are created with the favorite food and drink of the deceased. Good and humorous stories are shared about the deceased loved ones. Marigold flowers are abundant, as they are seen as symbols of completion in Aztec culture. Candy and a type of sweet bread are given to friends.
This All Saints Day, we remember and honor the memory of those who God has called home. Those from the past year and others still in our hearts. Their memory is a blessing to us and we give thanks for their influence in our lives.
Eric Reece is the faith columnist for The Graham Star. He is pastor of Robbinsville United Methodist Church and can be reached via email, ereece@wnccumc.net.