Celebrate

Those of us who believe that Jesus is God, king, teacher, human, and has the words of eternal life have several things to celebrate in the coming weeks.

First, Reformation Day. Reformation Day is a minor festival celebrated in remembrance of the Reformation. It takes place on October 31 and is an official holiday in many countries. On this day in 1517, Martin Luther posted a proposal to debate the doctrine and practice of indulgences. This proposal is popularly known as the 95 thesis, which he nailed to the Castle Church door. This was not an act of defiance or provocation as is sometimes thought. Since the Castle Church faced Wittenberg's main thoroughfare, the church door functioned as a public bulletin board and was therefore the logical place for posting important notices. It turned out that this action by Luther sparked a lot more than just a debate, but through the Reformation, many things that we all enjoy today (religious freedom, tolerance, removal of a theocracy, priesthood of all believers, access to the sacred writings of Christianity, restoration of God-centered theology, etc., etc.) came to hold sway in the world. So, nail a copy of the 95 thesis to your door, invite some people over, grill up some Brats, drink some German beer, say prayers of thanksgiving, talk about how you can be semper reformada (always reforming), and have a good time. The liturgical color of the day is red, which represents the Holy Spirit and the Martyrs of the Christian Church. Luther's hymn, A Mighty Fortress is our God is traditionally sung on this day.

Secondly, All Saint's Day. All Saint's Day (November 1), also sometimes known as "All Hallows," or "Hallowmas" is a celebration of all the followers of Christ that have come before us. Halloween, or "All Hallows Eve," has part of its history in connection with this day. So, for the second day in a row, invite some people over, read stories about some of the great saints of the past, tell stories of Christians who have inpired you in your life,perhaps read Hebrews 11 and 12, say prayers for inspiration, and generally have a good time.

I commennd these festival days to you, and I think it is a shame that they have fallen into such disuse by many modern day Western Christians. We have much to remember, be thankful for, and celebrate on these days. May they spur all who celebrate them on to holiness, love, humility, the pushing back of darkness, and the honoring of Jesus.