ALL means ALL.

"After this I looked, and there was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, robed in white, with palm branches in their hands. They cried out in a large voice, saying, 'Salvation belongs to our God who is seated on the throne, and to the Lamb!'"

(Revelation 7:9-10)

This week has been one of celebrations! Sunday was our church's FALL FESTIVAL with games, face painting, puzzles, and lots of candy. Monday was HALLOWEEN. Tuesday & Wednesday was THE DAY OF THE DEAD in Mexican culture. This recognizes all who have died, and their loved ones get to help them along the journey. In the Christian tradition, this is similar to ALL SOUL'S DAY (which comes after ALL SAINTS' DAY, recognizing the Christian 'saints' over the centuries), which also remembers all who have died. In the United Methodist Church, the first Sunday in November is always ALL SAINTS' SUNDAY. We remember those who've died during the previous year.

Revelation 7 is the underpinning scripture behind this celebration. It's the scene in Heaven where all the "saints" (ie. everyone in heaven!) are standing around the throne of God. I love that it's such an INCLUSIVE picture! People from every nation, tribe and people's" are gathered. That's how it should be! God's Kingdom (and the church) should be inclusive & welcoming! We may operate in more homogeneous circles in our day-to-day lives, but God is constantly calling us to expand the borders and boundaries of our lives. God's Kingdom is for all.

So this Sunday we'll celebrate ALL the SAINTS! Praise God for those who have come before us... who've influenced our lives... and how have helped us along our faith journey. May we honor their past by living faithfully into our present!