Thanksgiving Day 2020

Thanksgiving Day 2020

We all have an image of thanksgiving.  For some of us it is the painting by Norman Rockwell of the family around a table; for others it is a painting of a feast in 1621 that had Native Americans and Pilgrims seated at the same table. Although the history of English expansion and settlement may be darker than these two images, it is the declaration by Abraham Lincoln that should hold our minds in our dark times.

In the midst of Civil War, Lincoln stated that we should give thanks to God for the bounty of our land, the increase in our population, and the growth in industry. We tend to think that our successes are by our own individual efforts.  They are not.  They come by community effort and cooperation.  The Covid vaccines that are now coming onto the horizon come as the result of group effort.

Remembering to be thankful in a time of crisis is not easy; in fact, it’s pretty difficult. Giving thanks is a sign of hope.  Giving thanks is the recognition that we gain our strength from God and from each other.

Prayer for the Day

O most merciful Creator, walk beside us, we pray,

     As we share our bountiful tables with others.

May we feed the hungry and house the homeless

     And welcome the lonely, forgotten, and forlorn.

Give us your spirit of generosity enabling us to share our blessings

      Of freedom and liberty with all the earth.

In the name of him who was the most generous of all,

     Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen

Thoughts for the Day

Let us remember that, as much has been given us, much will be expected from us, and that true homage comes from the heart as well as from the lips, and shows itself in deeds.

                                                Theodore Roosevelt, President (1858-1919)

Let gratitude be the pillow upon which you kneel to say your nightly prayer. And let faith be the bridge you build to overcome evil and welcome good.

                                                Maya Angelou, poet (1928-2014)

Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving; make melody to our God on the lyre.

    God covers the heavens with clouds, prepares rain for the earth

    Makes grass grow on the hills.

God gives to the animals their food and to the young ravens when they cry

                                                 Psalm 147: 7-9