Those of whom heaven is fond

Many Mennonite congregations do not celebrate All Saints Day. In our history, our forebears reacted against veneration of the saints. Pastor Phil Kniss was able to make a strong case against celebrating All Saints Day. But Pastor Phil also went on to make a case for such a celebration. John highlighted an awareness of those who have gone on before us in Revelation 21:1-6. this was not a short cut out of the world, but a word of hope for those who were struggling in the world. The good news was that we were not alone in the struggle. That is why we need an All Saints Day - to be reminded that heaven and all of the saints are more cheering us on. They are more eager to welcome us to heaven than we are to get there. Heaven is fond of those who are here on earth engaged in God's Kingdom work!