Today is the Day!

Yes, today is November 1st. For many Christian traditions it is also All Saint’s Day. A day where all the saints of the Church, known and unknown, are celebrated. The Roman Catholic Church recognizes this day along with Protestant churches, such as the Lutheran, Anglican, and Methodist traditions.

The world “saints” from the Greek word “hagios” which means “consecrated to God, holy, sacred, pious.” Paul used the term “saints” when addressing his letters to the various churches to whom he wrote. Ephesians 1:1, “…to the saints which are at Ephesus.” Philippians 1:1, “…to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi.” Colossians 1:2, “To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse.”

Obviously, the letters were meant for everyone not just a select few. This tells us that hagios is not a special category of Christian. It is meant to refer to everyone. All believers are supposed to be consecrated to God, holy, sacred, and pious. Our congregational forbearers called themselves “saints.” Not because they believed they were special but because it was a term that referred to all Christians. They called the members of their church “saints” and others “strangers.” Over time we have come to understand the term saint to mean someone of extraordinary faith and ability, but there is no biblical support for such a definition. Perhaps that’s why many modern Bible translations (including our NLT) substitute “God’s holy people” for “saints.” It is a more accurate understanding of what the first century biblical writers meant when they used hagios. That’s why, on All Saint’s Day at South Church, we remember those brothers and sisters-in-Christ who went to their reward in 2023. If you are a believer, you are a “saint.” I know that may be a bit much to wrap your head around, but you are. Now, don’t get full of yourself. It just means you are a Christian.

The other thing about today, for me at least, is that on November 1st every year I start playing my Christmas music. Drives Renée nuts but there is simply too much great Christmas music to squeeze into a single month. “Joy to the World.” “O Holy Night.” “The First Noel.” “The Wexford Carol.” “Angels We Have Heard on High.” “O Come All Ye Faithful.” “Good King Wenceslas.” How about the Charlie Brown Christmas soundtrack with Vince Guaraldi or my favorite “Sounds of Christmas” by the Ramsey Lewis Trio.

This is the season to remember, “…a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). “So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son” (John 1:14).

I know, we haven’t even had our thanksgiving turkey yet and I love thanksgiving too. Especially, as a congregationalist. The pilgrims were the first Congregationalists who came to this New World. Still, how can one sufficiently celebrate such an event as the coming of God in the flesh in only thirty days? I can’t. That’s why I begin playing my Christmas music on November 1st. Today I start proclaiming, “Go tell it on the mountain. Over the hills and everywhere. Go, tell it on the mountain that Jesus Christ is born.” Join me! O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant. O come let us adore Him. Christ the LORD!   

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Remember you can email praises and petitions to southchurchprayer@gmail.com. I lift them up every Wednesday at 4:00 pm on Facebook Live.