All Saints Sunday – November 2, 2025
“They shall hunger no more, neither thirst anymore; 
the sun shall not strike them, nor any scorching heat.”
- Revelation 7:16 -
The stories of the Saints, beginning with the disciples, serve as an example of how to boldly live the Christian life in this world. Many of those who are remembered by the Church were martyred for being Christian; they were beaten, tortured, and murdered. Many were burned to death or beheaded. They were thrown in prison and forgotten. They were ripped from the people they loved and forced to serve as slaves. Through it all they never wavered in their faith. They accepted the pain and suffering and even sang God’s praises while their world fell apart. They were witnesses, even unto death, of the Gospel and God’s grace. 
People often define saints as “holy people,” but this is not a complete understanding. The scriptures refer to all those who believe as saints. Saints do not have an exceptional degree of holiness or virtue. Some of the stories show extraordinary faith or piety, but we can all share stories of people who were imperfect witnesses who shared God’s amazing grace in ordinary ways. A saint is a believer who is humble before the God who loves them. They believe in His Word and receive His salvation like a crown. 
The book of Revelation gives us a picture of what life will be like when every promise of God has been fulfilled. Until then, we live in a fallen and broken world. We will hunger and thirst. We will suffer the loss of those we love. Their stories help us remember to live in trust and hope, knowing that God will be faithful to His promise that we will receive an inheritance beyond our imagination through faith. Jesus Christ made it possible for us to dwell forever in the Kingdom of Heaven. Through our baptism we are already part of that multitude, but as we wait for our time to join in the heavenly chorus, let us thank God for those who came before us, who shared the Gospel so that we would one day stand with them at the throne of God, singing the victory song.

All Saints Sunday – November 2, 2025
“They shall hunger no more, neither thirst anymore; 
the sun shall not strike them, nor any scorching heat.”
- Revelation 7:16 -
The stories of the Saints, beginning with the disciples, serve as an example of how to boldly live the Christian life in this world. Many of those who are remembered by the Church were martyred for being Christian; they were beaten, tortured, and murdered. Many were burned to death or beheaded. They were thrown in prison and forgotten. They were ripped from the people they loved and forced to serve as slaves. Through it all they never wavered in their faith. They accepted the pain and suffering and even sang God’s praises while their world fell apart. They were witnesses, even unto death, of the Gospel and God’s grace. 
People often define saints as “holy people,” but this is not a complete understanding. The scriptures refer to all those who believe as saints. Saints do not have an exceptional degree of holiness or virtue. Some of the stories show extraordinary faith or piety, but we can all share stories of people who were imperfect witnesses who shared God’s amazing grace in ordinary ways. A saint is a believer who is humble before the God who loves them. They believe in His Word and receive His salvation like a crown. 
The book of Revelation gives us a picture of what life will be like when every promise of God has been fulfilled. Until then, we live in a fallen and broken world. We will hunger and thirst. We will suffer the loss of those we love. Their stories help us remember to live in trust and hope, knowing that God will be faithful to His promise that we will receive an inheritance beyond our imagination through faith. Jesus Christ made it possible for us to dwell forever in the Kingdom of Heaven. Through our baptism we are already part of that multitude, but as we wait for our time to join in the heavenly chorus, let us thank God for those who came before us, who shared the Gospel so that we would one day stand with them at the throne of God, singing the victory song.