Family Activity Resources
Use these activities to teach and prepare your family leading up to the feast.
A Brief History of All Saints Day
The origin of All Saints' Day, also known as All Hallows' Day or Hallowmas, can be traced back to the early Church. According to Eusebuis’ The Church History, throughout the 4th century, Christians gathered to remember and celebrate the lives of those martyred during the period called The Great Persecution. Initially held on various dates that either coincided with the saint’s death or else around the Church holidays of Easter or Pentecost, it was during the 9th century under Pope Gregory IV that the date of November 1st was officially adopted.
Over time, the scope of the feast day expanded beyond martyred saints to include all faithful Christians - the living saints known as the church militant, who are so called because we are currently engaged in spiritual warfare in our ongoing sanctification, and the departed saints known as the church triumphant, who along with the martyrs have attained the crown of which James declares, “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him” (1:12). Thus, it is a day to recognize the saints' collective witness, both from the early history of the Church, as well as from the more recent faith community, and to express gratitude for their faithful example.
The day coincides with Reformation Day on October 31st, marking the beginning of discussions that led to the formation of Protestant denominations. The focus of this time of feasting is on glorifying God for the lives of believers rather than elevating individual saints. The celebration serves to inspire the saints of today to continue in faith, drawing strength from the examples of those who have gone before them. It is a time for communal remembrance, reflection, and rejoicing in the faith shared by all believers, past and present.
Over time, the scope of the feast day expanded beyond martyred saints to include all faithful Christians - the living saints known as the church militant, who are so called because we are currently engaged in spiritual warfare in our ongoing sanctification, and the departed saints known as the church triumphant, who along with the martyrs have attained the crown of which James declares, “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him” (1:12). Thus, it is a day to recognize the saints' collective witness, both from the early history of the Church, as well as from the more recent faith community, and to express gratitude for their faithful example.
The day coincides with Reformation Day on October 31st, marking the beginning of discussions that led to the formation of Protestant denominations. The focus of this time of feasting is on glorifying God for the lives of believers rather than elevating individual saints. The celebration serves to inspire the saints of today to continue in faith, drawing strength from the examples of those who have gone before them. It is a time for communal remembrance, reflection, and rejoicing in the faith shared by all believers, past and present.
A Family Activity
Take a moment to reflect on your own faith journey. Who has been a witness to you in your walk with the LORD - a pastor, theologian, martyr, family member, or friend? Consider taking time this week during your family worship or dinner conversation to share a story of a saint who has impacted you.
A Martyr To Remember: Jim Elliot
“He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose.” - Jim Elliot
In 1950, American missionary Jim Elliot sensed a call from the Lord to take the Gospel to a small and fierce unreached people deep in the jungles of Ecuador, known as the Huaorani (or “Auca”) Indians. On January 8, 1956, 28-year-old Jim Elliot was martyred, along with four missionary partners and friends. Jim was survived by his wife, Elisabeth, and their 10-month-old daughter, Valerie, who completed the mission that he started.
In 1950, American missionary Jim Elliot sensed a call from the Lord to take the Gospel to a small and fierce unreached people deep in the jungles of Ecuador, known as the Huaorani (or “Auca”) Indians. On January 8, 1956, 28-year-old Jim Elliot was martyred, along with four missionary partners and friends. Jim was survived by his wife, Elisabeth, and their 10-month-old daughter, Valerie, who completed the mission that he started.
Art to Study
The Forerunners of Christ with Saints and Martyrs by Fra Angelico is a luminous early Renaissance altarpiece panel that gathers prophets, patriarchs, apostles, saints, and martyrs—those who prepared the way for Christ and bore witness to Him. Painted around 1423–24 as part of the San Domenico Altarpiece in Fiesole, the work exemplifies Fra Angelico’s spiritual serenity and refined color. Each figure, radiant in gold and delicate hues, turns reverently toward the unseen presence of Christ, expressing both heavenly harmony and the communion of saints across time.
A Hymn to Sing: The Son of God Goes Forth to War
(1812)
Reginald Heber, lyric composer of this hymn, was born in 1783 into a wealthy, educated family. He was a bright youth, translating a Latin classic into English verse by the time he was seven, entering Oxford at 17, and winning two awards for his poetry during his time there.
After his graduation, he became rector of his father's church in the village of Hodnet near Shrewsbury in the west of England where he remained for 16 years. He was appointed Bishop of Calcutta in 1823 and worked tirelessly for three years until the weather and travel took its toll on his health and he died of a stroke.
Most of his 57 hymns, which include "Holy, Holy, Holy," are still in use today.
Reginald Heber, lyric composer of this hymn, was born in 1783 into a wealthy, educated family. He was a bright youth, translating a Latin classic into English verse by the time he was seven, entering Oxford at 17, and winning two awards for his poetry during his time there.
After his graduation, he became rector of his father's church in the village of Hodnet near Shrewsbury in the west of England where he remained for 16 years. He was appointed Bishop of Calcutta in 1823 and worked tirelessly for three years until the weather and travel took its toll on his health and he died of a stroke.
Most of his 57 hymns, which include "Holy, Holy, Holy," are still in use today.