— Midweek Meditations:
thoughts, inspiration and encouragement
from ACF community members —
One of the most confusing things I encountered 40 years ago when I moved to Germany were all the different church holidays. The big ones , Christmas and Easter I knew and some others like Ascension and Pentecost were easy to understand. The two holidays I had the most trouble with were All Saints Day and Corpus Christi. I vaguely knew what they were and was surprised that they were official holidays in Germany. Since then I have learned to cherish the 10 Christian holidays spread throughout the year when stores, schools and banks are closed. Each of these holidays remind us what Christ has made possible for us.
The next official holiday is All Saints Day and in this meditation we will look at why is this celebrated and how is this celebrated.
For many years I have hosted foreign students from across the world with a wide variety of religious backgrounds. Most do not have a Christian background and besides Christmas and Easter they have no idea why the shops are closed on a Saturday in November. I normally try to warn them with a Whatsapp but often they come home with an empty backpack and wonder why all the shops are closed. Often I am asked to explain what the holiday is about. Their questions have led to great conversations about Christ and what he has made possible for all of us.
All Saints Day started in the early church as a time to remember martyrs who had died for their belief in Christ. Over the years this holiday has evolved to include all saints who have departed. This includes not just famous Christians but all of those who have died. We are all saints in spite of our shortcomings, Christ calls us holy.
To the church of God in Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, together with all those who in every place call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours.
I Corinthians 1:2
On this day we celebrate the saints that have made a difference in our lives. We remember those who shared what they had and most of all loved us. Many of these saints we have encountered remain anonymous. I often use the Wesley expression that describes these people as someone that warmed my heart. “Not some saints but all saints” are celebrated (Nadia Bolz Weber)
Often we limit our definition of the church as to those who are currently living and believing God. All Saints Day reminds us that the church includes also those who have died or as often said-Those Gone Before Us. The memory of their words and deeds continue to minister to us and we thank God for this.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us,
Hebrews 12:1
This verse comes after Hebrews 11 and the list of the Heroes of Faith who are all part of this great Cloud of Witnesses. The list starts with Abel in Genesis and includes Abraham, Sarah, Rehab, Moses and many more. It is a very good list to read.
How we celebrate this day is different across the world. Some countries celebrate at their loved ones’ graves and eat foods that they favoured. Many memories are shared. These celebrations are sad but also joyful.
For many, loved ones’ graves are too far away to visit but we can still honour their memories. I recommend sharing photos and stories with friends and familial. If you have something special from them display it.
A few years back the youth and young people celebrated ‘Dia de los Muertos’ (Mexican day of the dead). We set up a table for objects to remember those we miss (see image above). Some brought pictures, others stuffed animals and others watches or jewelry. We shared with each other who they missed.
On all Saints Day we will set up a table before the service and give each of you space to share pictures or objects. There will also be candles to light in remembrance of your loved one.
The ACF Midweek Meditations
are written by a diverse group of our church members with the intention to seek God’s fingerprints in our lives. They range from somber to humorous and are inspired by all facets of live and faith. Written by ordinary people from all walks of life, they reflect a wide range of Christian backgrounds and spiritualities.
Each week’s text portrays the individual viewpoint of its author. They might not always resonate with everyone, and are not meant to be understood as representing the Anglican Church Freiburg as a whole. Yet, as a church that is aiming to ‘Build a Community of Grace’ we seek to practice learning from and listening to one another.
We pray that these humble ponderings add a small spark of blessing to your week.
Freiburg Anglican Church 