Imagine being adopted by a foreign king.  Now you're a prince or princess!  He will come to pick you up on a day you do not expect.

The kingdom has rules.  Nothing from this world that you own or wear can enter it.  They speak a special language written in a precious book and accept people from every nation.  No one gets ill or dies.

There is no pain or suffering or poverty.  People love and respect each other.  Everyone adores the king and gathers continually around his throne to sing his praises.

The king wants a big celebration.  Invite others to be adopted.  The king's house has lots of rooms.  Everyone who accepts is part of your treasure and blessing.  Every good deed you do in the king's name reflects His glory on your face.  It's all part of looking like the rest of the family.

You'll have new clothing.  It is glorious beyond any compare in the world.  And with it comes a golden crown.  Your brother won it for you.  He loves you very much.  He died a horrible death to win your adoption and free you from slavery to sin. 

This promise is yours right now through faith in Jesus Christ.  The Bible says (1 John 3:1-3 ESV): "See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God [through baptism into the faith]; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him.  Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is.  And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure."

Give up the evil ways of the world and live as a saint by His power.

Be like Him!  Celebrate All Saints Sunday.  Amen.