A 2011 reflection on this time of year ...
"The Americans really know how to decorate for the season. Halloween
brought 6 foot spiders on fake webs crawling over windows and smiling,
carved pumpkins revealing a sinister light on doorsteps. About 4 blocks
down our street is what is now known as the Demon House. Severed heads
drip from the drain pipes, an empty coffin gawps a hellish orange glow
and devilish faces with pursuing eyes repulse or delight passers -
depending on their tendencies. I don't find all that terribly helpful to
my spirit, mind or body.
Robert E. Webber in "Ancient-Future Time: Forming Spirituality through the Christian Year" suggests that:
'A good antidote to the underworld themes of Halloween is to return to the
real meaning of All Saints' Day - a celebration of the life and witness of God's
people who model a relationship with God for us.' (p175)
I'm inspired to chase after God by those with the determined persistence of Jacob. I'm called to believe in His faithfulness by the existence of the children of Abraham and Sarah. I'm assured of His attention to detail when people testify that like Ruth they 'happen' to find themselves in the kinsman redeemer's field. I delight in His intimacy when people declare, like Zephaniah, that He rejoices over them with singing.
Today I celebrate the saints who still walk the earth and those that are with Jesus. The men and women of faith who've prayed, taught, corrected and wooed me dancing into the family of God. My spirit testifies to the example of you all.
I wonder whose spirit will testify that I modeled for them a relationship with God?
So, on this All Saints Day, celebrate and give thanks for those who have pointed to the Father, been Jesus' hands and feet, and been conduits of the Holy Spirit. And consider why people will celebrate your life and witness"
Robert E. Webber in "Ancient-Future Time: Forming Spirituality through the Christian Year" suggests that:
'A good antidote to the underworld themes of Halloween is to return to the
real meaning of All Saints' Day - a celebration of the life and witness of God's
people who model a relationship with God for us.' (p175)
I'm inspired to chase after God by those with the determined persistence of Jacob. I'm called to believe in His faithfulness by the existence of the children of Abraham and Sarah. I'm assured of His attention to detail when people testify that like Ruth they 'happen' to find themselves in the kinsman redeemer's field. I delight in His intimacy when people declare, like Zephaniah, that He rejoices over them with singing.
Today I celebrate the saints who still walk the earth and those that are with Jesus. The men and women of faith who've prayed, taught, corrected and wooed me dancing into the family of God. My spirit testifies to the example of you all.
I wonder whose spirit will testify that I modeled for them a relationship with God?
So, on this All Saints Day, celebrate and give thanks for those who have pointed to the Father, been Jesus' hands and feet, and been conduits of the Holy Spirit. And consider why people will celebrate your life and witness"
