I’m reprising what I posted last year on this day, the day we remember and give thanks for those who have gone before. Last year, my friend Jean Alix from Haiti asked this question:

Dear Dr. Bob,
I read this “All Saints Day to remember and give thanks.” Is there in the Bible a verse which let us to remember and give thanks for all the saints? Or Is the early church that did that? And what verse? I know this is from the Roman Catholic Church, right?

I responded:

It’s a good question, Jean Alix. First observation is that just because the Roman Catholic Church does something doesn’t mean it’s wrong! Second, I think Hebrews 12.1, 2 that I cited (see below) suggest that we remember those who have gone before. And we have 1 Thessalonians 5.18 reminding us to give thanks “in all circumstances.” Being a thankful people is not a bad thing, and being thankful for those who have gone before, setting us an example, maybe translating the scriptures for us, etc. is a good thing, too.

We have this great song, sung by many churches when they remember those of their number who passed during the previous year. Sometimes churches have this remembrance the Sunday after Easter and others on the Sunday near All Saints Day. For example, here is an announcement from a Free Methodist Church (ironically, one which strongly supported missions to Haiti that my friend Jean Alix was involved with):

Here’s the song:

1. For all the saints, who from their labors rest,
   Who Thee by faith before the world confessed,
   Thy name, O Jesus, be forever blest—
   • Refrain:
     Alleluia, Alleluia!
2. Thou wast their Rock, their Fortress, and their Might;
   Thou, Lord, their Captain in the well-fought fight;
   Thou, in the darkness drear, their one true Light—
3. Oh, may Thy soldiers, faithful, true, and bold,
   Fight as the saints who nobly fought of old,
   And win with them the victor’s crown of gold—
4. And when the strife is fierce, the warfare long,
   Steals on the ear the distant triumph song,
   And hearts are brave again, and arms are strong—
5. From earth’s wide bounds, from ocean’s farthest coast,
   Through gates of pearl streams in the countless host,
   Singing to Father, Son, and Holy Ghost—

– William W. How, 1864

For All the Saints: listen and sing along!

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12.1 – 2, ESV)