Think of the years that have passed since people have gathered to sing a song of celebration for the yearly harvest.
As the pumpkins lie waiting in the field to be harvested and the crops are all being pulled into the barns ready for distribution, I realize how fortunate I am to live in a place of such abundance.
So at this time of year especially, I begin to hum my favorite ancient hymn by Henry Alford, "Come ye thankful people come."
Come, ye thankful people, come, raise the song of harvest home; All is safely gathered in, ere the winter storms begin. God our Maker doth provide for our wants to be supplied; Come to God's own temple, come, raise the song of harvest home.
I know that in times of sadness or sorrow it's very difficult to find joy or celebration. However, it must be a part of our discipline of prayer to remember that God is with us and will never leave us - even in the most difficult of circumstances. Now is the time to give thanks!
Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples! (Psalm 105:1) So, on this Thanksgiving weekend, let's find something that reminds us that we are all loved by God. Let us lift our heads to see the bright colours of the harvest and remember that God calls us to proclaim God's faithfulness and love throughout the world.
Happy thanksgiving everyone!
