First, a correction:  The Steven Curtis Chapman song I referenced in my last post was written after the Columbine massacre, which was several years before his daughter’s death.

Next, a clarification:  I didn’t originate the “blab it & grab it” nickname for the misguided “name it & claim it” teaching popular in some circles.  I don’t remember where I first heard it.

Finally:  HAPPY REFORMATION DAY!  This is the 494th anniversary of the day Martin Luther nailed his 95 theses for debate onto the door of the church at Wittenberg, an event which is generally considered as the signal fire that started the Protestant Reformation.   Our family has never celebrated Halloween, seeing as much sense in a Christian celebrating Halloween as in a non-Christian celebrating Christmas or Easter, but we certainly do celebrate Reformation Day.  The cry of the Reformation still echoes today:   Faith alone!  Grace alone!  Scripture alone!

The popular name for this night, Halloween, comes from “All Hallowed E’en” (evening).  It was only important (to Christians, anyway!) because it was the night before November 1st, All Saints Day – a day to remember all those saints who have gone before us into Glory.  Have you ever pictured that long chain of saints, hand holding hand holding hand, reaching down through all the generations of man?  The Church of Now  shares communion with the all the Church of the Past!  Those saints triumphant stand in a cheering section, silent to our ears, but deafening in heaven – that “cloud of witnesses” that surrounds us.  Take some time to think of those who have been the most influential in your life, the legacy of faith that has come to you, whether from your own family by blood, or from your family by faith.  GIVE THANKS for that marvelous gracious gift of God – and pray fervently for opportunities where you may be that saint that someone else will remember some years down the road!  “One generation will commend Your works to another; they will tell of Your mighty works.”  Ps. 145:4

If you don’t know this hymn, google it and find the tune.  It’s the perfect anthem for All Saints Day.

“For all the saints who from their labors rest,/ who Thee by faith before the world confessed,/ Thy name, O Jesus, be forever blessed!/  Alleluia!  Alleluia!/ …  O blest communion!  Fellowship divine!/ We feebly struggle, they in glory shine;/ Yet all are one in Thee, for all are Thine./ Alleluia!  Alleluia!/  And when the fight is fierce, the warfare long/ Steals on the ear the distant triumph song,/ And hearts are brave again, and arms are strong./ Alleluia!  Alleluia!/ … The golden evening brightens in the West;/ soon, soon to faithful warriors comes their rest./  Sweet is the calm of Paradise the blest./ Alleluia!  Alleluia!”