Today, November 2nd, we continue to honor "Dia de los Muertos."  It's a day from the Hispanic culture where people honor the lives of loved ones who have passed away.

Though the facepainting is haunting, the rest of decorations used are bright colors.  It really is a celebration.

I love that.  It's a reminder that even death brings life, that our loved ones are still connected to us in some mysterious way, that we can trust God to give the gift of eternal life.

There's sadness in the remembering, but there's also joy in the knowing, loving, and honoring.

What a gift this day is to remind us that along with our sorrow comes joy... a joy that comes, for us as Christians, in the hope God has given us in Jesus the Christ that someday, somehow... God turns all death into life ... life that is good and wonderful and eternal.

For that, today, I give thanks.
 

Peace in our journeys,

Pastor Steve Melde