All Saints' Day was established on November 1 in the 700s as a way to recognize those who have died in the faith. Early on in church history, festivals were established to honor martyrs whose blood grew the church and were inspirations to Christians to remain in the faith amid persecution. It’s a day to hold up the “normal” believer who has died as an inspiration—someone who has remained faithful to their savior, Jesus Christ.

All Saints' Day is also a way to remember that death doesn’t have the last word. Jesus has conquered death and the grave.

We are called as Christians to encourage each other with the words of 1 Thessalonians 4:14 (ESV), that, “through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep.”

May you be encouraged this All Saints’ Day that one day you will sing, with all the saints, praises to Jesus. Your voice will join the voices who have cried out to God for all generations!