The Lanterns of Hope
It was a chilly November evening, and Emma and her dad walked slowly through the churchyard, their breath making little clouds in the crisp air. Soft lights glowed among the gravestones—small lanterns placed by families remembering their loved ones who had gone to heaven. The warm glow made the night feel peaceful and full of love.
Emma clutched her own lantern carefully, afraid the wind might blow out its tiny flame. “Dad,” she whispered, “why do we bring lights here?”
Emma’s dad smiled gently and put his arm around her shoulders. “Today is All Souls’ Day, Emma. It’s a special day when we pray for everyone who has died, asking God to bring them fully into His light. We remember that Jesus promised, ‘Whoever comes to me, I will never drive away,’ and that He came so everyone who believes in Him will have eternal life.”
Emma looked up at the sky sprinkled with stars. “So even if we can’t see them anymore, they’re not gone forever?” she asked softly.
“That’s right,” her dad said with a nod. “Jesus keeps His promise. The people we love who have died are safe in His hands. One day, we’ll see them again in heaven, where there’s no sadness—only joy and light. These lanterns remind us that God’s love shines brighter than death and that His light never fades.”
Emma smiled and knelt beside her grandmother’s grave. “Then I’ll make my lantern shine for Grandma—and for everyone waiting to be with Jesus.” She set it down carefully, shielding the flame with her mittened hand.
As she stepped back, she saw hundreds of other lanterns flickering across the churchyard, their golden lights dancing in the darkness. Together, they made the whole place sparkle like the stars above.
“Look, Dad,” Emma whispered. “It’s like heaven’s light is shining right here.”
Emma’s dad squeezed her hand. “Yes, Emma. It’s the light of hope—God’s promise that love never ends.”
And as the lanterns glowed through the night, Emma felt warm inside, knowing that Jesus was keeping all souls close to His heart.
Moral: Jesus never forgets anyone who comes to Him. On All Souls’ Day, we remember and pray for those who have died, trusting that God’s love and mercy will bring them to eternal life.
Based on John 6:37-40
