Probably one of the best known songs in the world is the old Negro spiritual “When the Saints Go Marching In”. The lyrics in the attachment below contains many more verses than most people have ever heard. This has become a beloved song for both the words and the tune. It was recorded in 1938 by the venerable jazz musician Louis Armstrong is a jazz/blues classic and is considered the theme song for the city of New Orleans, LA. It is customary in New Orleans for this to be played in funeral marches-as a dirge on the march to the gravesite, and a joyful victory march upon leaving the grave. This tradition seems strange to many of us, even those of us who profess that as Paul said in the book of Philippians “For me to live is Christ and to die is gain”. But it is in fact a musical demonstration of that verse! The trip to the gravesite is sorrowful because we bid farewell to a loved one on this earth. However, on the return trip, after the body is committed to the grave, the march becomes a celebration! A celebration of the life lived and loved, but more importantly for the Christian, a celebration of the beginning of the departed’s eternal life where there is no longer any grief, tears, or pain! The beginning of a life that will bask in the presence of God forever. Is there any thing which could be greater than that? Read the eleven verses of this old hymn. If you like, voice it in your head or even sing it aloud. It truly is a great old hymn with a powerful yet simple message to those who believe, and a warning to those who doubt. 

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