Remembering our Faith Departed by Tradition

You might already know that several Christian traditions mark this time of the year as All Saints and All Souls Day – a time to especially remember those who have died the previous year.  We have a long tradition here at Ebenezer of remembering our “faithful departed” as well.  The bulletin that is attached has the names of those from all over our community that we said farewell too yesterday in our Wednesday worship service.  
 
If you stop by the chapel I invite you to look up above the altar area.  Near the windows are candles flickering in the night – one burns for each member of our community that we lost last year.  At night it is quite peaceful as the lights flicker on the ceiling.  In Germany they call the candles “Lichter der Seelen” – the lights of the Souls.  The candles will stay lit for the next few days as a sign of our remembrance of those for whom we grieve.
 
You might also check out the tables created in the breezeway to see how our Latin American brothers and sisters mark this time.  They call this time of remembrance for those who have died as the “Day of the Dead” or Dia de los Muertos.  You might have seen more and more stores and places recognizing this wonderful cultural tradition.  Traditionally this time is spent recalling stories of the elders who died and sharing special meals and picnics that remind them of the loved one.
 
Blessings as you continue to mourn those we have loved and who have now “crossed over” to the other side.
 
Chaplain Chris