All Saints Day celebrates the memory of all Christians who are now in heaven. “For All the Saints” is a traditional hymn that honors them. Today, I’ll share my thoughts on the day and the song.
This time of year has many of us thinking about the ones we have lost. Family and friends we no longer see, and those we’ll see again at the resurrection.
All Saints Day is a time to remember the men and women – known and unknown – who have influenced our faith. The first disciples, our great church fathers, missionaries, and reformers. Even those known only to us who have helped us become more like Christ.
Let’s begin.
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Rethinking All Saints Day
November 1 is All Saints Day, a religious holiday for some branches of Christianity. As an evangelical, I don’t celebrate this day due to its associated mysticism. But this year, I’m rethinking the day because of my brother.
The Lord called Billy home last year, and I miss him very much. Not only was he my brother, he was also my dear friend. I cherish the years we had together. His laughter, love, and support.
Billy loved Jesus and served Him with steadfast devotion. “To live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21) was his favorite Bible verse. I can only imagine his joy now that he’s face-to-face with our Savior.
What does this have to do with All Saints Day? For me, it’s about remembering the people God put in my life’s path – especially those already in heaven, like Billy.
Those of us with reformation-shaped minds often ignore All Saints Day. We tend to disregard it as a holiday. This is due to its Catholic origin and pagan links.
Traditional observances involve all sorts of rituals, like praying to dead saints. And the Bible condemns communicating with the dead (Deuteronomy 18:10-12).
Honoring God’s Faithful Servants
Yet, the concept of All Saints Day – honoring God’s faithful servants – is something we can all support. If we choose to observe this holiday, we can remember the true saints with gratitude to God – without speaking or praying to the dead.
Today, we can honor the apostles, martyrs, and reformers who have borne witness to the faith (Hebrews 11). And we can also honor our parents, siblings, and others who ran the good race (Hebrews 12:1) and are now at home with Jesus.
This is how I choose to think on All Saints Day.
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The Great Cloud of Witnesses
Hebrews 11 is often called the “Hall of Faith” or “Triumph of Faith.” It is a collection of Old Testament heroes, examples of what it means to live by faith. The passage identifies men and women who were faithful to God and looked forward to the coming Messiah.
Hebrews 12 mentions a great “cloud of witnesses” that surround us. To my understanding, they are the Old Testament saints. Cheering us on to the same victory in faith they achieved:
“Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith.”
Hebrews 12:1
All Saints Day is a chance to honor Old Testament saints as well as believing loved ones in heaven. After all, the Bible says ALL who are set apart in Christ (Romans 1:7, I Corinthians 1:2) are “saints.”
When we pray, however, we must not pray to the saints and martyrs we remember this day (Matthew 6:6, I Timothy 2:5-6). Rather, we should pray to the Father – in the power of the Spirit, and in the name of the Son.
If you have a personal relationship with God, you have a direct line of communication with Him. You can pray to God and He will answer your prayers. How awesome is that?!
For All the Saints – A Hymn
“For All the Saints” is a traditional processional hymn. It paints a picture of the great “cloud of witnesses” mentioned in Hebrews. It also conveys the hope of God’s saints (believers) – on earth and in heaven.
William Walsham How was the 19th century Anglican bishop who wrote “For All the Saints.” { See partial lyrics below. }
His song appeared in Hymns for Saint’s Days, and Other Hymns, published by Earl Nelson in 1864.
The hymn’s melody – “Sarum” by Joseph Barnby – remained in use until the 1906 publication of The English Hymnal.
Ralph Vaughan Williams crafted a new melody for the new hymnal and called it “Sine Nomine” – Latin for “without a name.”
Many regard “For All the Saints” as one of the finest hymns of the 20th century. It still appears in most English and American hymnals published today.
📋 RECOMMENDED – Strengthen for Service: 100 Years of the English Hymnal. This unique publication commemorates the centennial anniversary of The English Hymnal in 2006.
The Hymn Lyrics and Melody
Walsham How’s hymn has eleven stanzas, and newer versions have minor variations. Some versions omit the third, fourth, and fifth verses. Here are three stanzas, plus a short audio clip of the melody.
1. For all the saints, who from their labours rest, Who Thee by faith before the world confessed; Thy name, O Jesus, be forever blessed. Alleluia, Alleluia!
2. Thou wast their Rock, their Fortress, and their Might; Thou, Lord, their captain in the well fought fight; O Thou, in the darkness drear, their one true Light. Alleluia, Alleluia!
7. But lo! there breaks a yet more glorious day; The saints triumphant rise in bright array; The King of glory passes on His way. Alleluia, Alleluia!
Final Thoughts
All Saints Day is a time to remember Christians who have influenced our faith. Disciples, church fathers, missionaries, reformers. Even those known only to us who have helped us become more like Christ. If we choose to observe this holiday, let’s remember the true saints with gratitude to God. ◻️
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Now It’s Your Turn
Thank you for reading my post. Now it’s YOUR turn to chime in. Do you observe All Saints Day? If so, how do you honor God’s faithful servants?
Let’s fill the comments with friendly conversation. Scroll down to leave a reply, ask a question, or just say hello. And if you liked this post, please give it a share.
Blessings, Annette
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