October 31, 2026                                                                       Revelation 7:9-17

“for the Lamb at the centre of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of the water of life, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.” vs. 17

It really is sad that the Eve of All Saints’ Day has been transformed into Halloween. It was once a time when the white-robed saints of the book of Revelation were remembered and celebrated. Some thought of it as one of the “thin spots” in the fabric of the universe when there could be connections with those who had died. Now it has become a secular holiday when children wander the streets wearing the scariest customs they can imagine, and  teenagers explore the horrors of haunted houses, and yards are decorated with blow-up monsters and skeletons. And of course there are pumpkins everywhere, not to be eaten, but to be decorated and displayed.  It’s an amazing holiday!

But people of faith will not forget the message of comfort and hope that is the essence of the day. We wonder about what comes after death, and the picture we see in Revelation touches our hearts. It’s here that we are reminded that when death comes we are greeted by our Shepherd and are guided to springs of the water of life, and God will wipe away every tear from our eyes.

These are the words that are to be taken to heart on the Eve of All Saints’ Day. It’s a beautiful image, and far more helpful to our souls than pumpkins and witches.

Thought for the Day: What images comfort me when death comes near?