Rising Light

“For the Lord himself, with a cry of command, with the archangel’s call and with the sound of God’s trumpet, will descend from heaven, and the dead in Christ will rise first.” 1 Thessalonians 4:16

Today is All Souls Day, and I’m still reflecting on our worship yesterday on All Saints Day. While we got off to a rough start on the livestream due to some technical issues, it was a powerful time of remembrance. Fourteen saints of Grace, sisters and brothers in Christ, died since last All Saints Day. We prayed in thanksgiving for each of them by name, lighting candles and tolling a chime. I don’t know if you could tell, but I could barely begin the prayer and my candle-holding hand was shaking terribly. The grief of the past year threatened to pull me under.

Thank God for the gospel. As each candle added its flame to the array, I felt the light grow within me, too. While the mystery of it all eludes me, the promise of the resurrection holds me in hope. These fourteen, and all the blessed dead, will arise again in Christ and are with him even now. Alleluia!

This weeks is full of anxiety, for me and for many others. Tomorrow is Election Day. The results are unknown and may well be unknown tomorrow night. I confess that I am worried. But we worship a God who brings life out of death. In God, there is always reason for hope.

Thanks be to God for the saints in light. May we follow Christ faithfully as they did, whatever the coming days may bring.

Be well, friends. You are loved.

God of life, your love and power have triumphed over the grave. As we follow in the footsteps of the saints who have gone before us, keep us faithful to your calling in this world. In dark days, let light shine through us. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Image: Candles for the saints at Grace Lutheran Church.