Why a “Festival of the Dead”?
We need it!
“Totenfest” is the name in German for the worship activities which honor the departed, and doing so in a way that is both thankful remembrance AND tender eternal connection. It’s a human instinct for the well-being we know in tending wholesome ties to our ancestors and beloved ones who have gone on before us.
With the faithful of the ages, we affirm the importance of honoring the legacy of those who have passed on to eternity. We give thanks, in particular, for the courage and strength of the saints – famous or obscure – who have contributed to our life of faith. We give thanks for those dear loved ones who have blessed our lives — whether for a few years or many decades – and who by their examples or shortcomings drew us closer to Christ.
For the Good News,
Pastor Jacki