“Praise and Thanksgiving”
Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth.
Worship the Lord with gladness; come into his presence with singing.
Know that the Lord is God.
It is he that made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise.
Give thanks to him, bless his name.
For the Lord is good;
his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.
Psalm 100
The competition is in full swing, as those of us who love and value Thanksgiving are holding our ground against the onslaught of the commercial forces of Christmas. It’s quite a challenge, as television, newspapers, and all forms of media are determined to convince us that “the holidays” (I seriously dislike that generic phrase) are nearly upon us. The message is that there are gifts to be purchased, parties to attend or host, and indoor and outdoor decorating to be put up that will dazzle the whole neighborhood. Something as relatively modest as a day of reflecting on our blessings, perhaps gathering with friends and family members to share a meal, is considered boring and nearly pointless.
So why do we go to the bother of preparing a lovely dinner, gathering people together, even making a journey of some distance “just” for Thanksgiving? Evidently, there’s more to it than a dinner and a get-together. As families grow and evolve over the years, each holiday gathering is important and unique. New babies, in-laws, members of the military home on leave, or college students who invite a friend, are welcomed and included on this day. At other times, there’s an empty place at the table, and we remember and give thanks for the life of our loved one. This togetherness has a nourishing, enriching quality that gives our spirits a boost and strengthens us for what might lie ahead.
As we commemorate the event that is considered “The First Thanksgiving” it’s important to look at the year preceding this festival. It stretches the imagination to understand the determination and courage of this small band of Pilgrims as they boarded the Mayflower and headed across the Atlantic in hopes of finding a place where they could make their home and freely practice their religion. They were at great odds with the Church of England, believing that the church hierarchy and many of its practices and rituals were man-made and conflicted with the teachings of Jesus. After a rough autumn crossing of the Atlantic, landfall was made on November 11, 1620. A long, harsh winter with inadequate shelter and provisions took its toll, but when spring came, they planted crops, fished and hunted, and in the fall of 1621 brought in an abundant harvest. Their harvest celebration and gratitude for God’s boundless love and care is the foundation of our Thanksgiving. How blessed we are that our heritage is from people who took great risks and endured such hardships for their faith, and who turned to God in thankfulness and praise for his everlasting faithfulness and enduring love.
In gratitude for what has been, what is, and all that is to come,
Your Friend in Christ,
Mary Rogers