Preparing for Thanksgiving Day means different things to different people.
For some it means building floats for a parade.
For some it means helping Santa prepare for his annual introduction.
For some it means standing in line at a soup kitchen for a hot meal.
For some it means getting away for a few days of peace and quiet.
For some it means naming the crippling effects of grief.
For some it means preparing for the whirlwind of family and the aroma of food in the kitchen.
For some it means another workday and a little more football.
For some it means eating too much.
And maybe, for all of us, it will offer a moment to pause and give thanks.
How we tell the story of “The First Thanksgiving” we vary as much as how we choose to
celebrate or not celebrate this national holiday that was formalized by Abraham Lincoln in 1863. In his proclamation, Lincoln called on Americans to ask God to “commend to his tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife” and to “heal the wounds of the nation.” Hoping a day designated to gratefulness would help us heal. Hoping a day to focus on our blessings would help us come together.
How will you choose to live out of your gratefulness this week?
Pastor Jo
November 20, 2023
