Thanksgiving Day

Lectionary: 943-947

And now, bless the God of all,
    who has done wondrous things on earth;
Who fosters people’s growth from their mother’s womb,
    and fashions them according to his will!
May he grant you joy of heart
    and may peace abide among you;
May his goodness toward us endure in Israel
    to deliver us in our days.

When I think of Thanksgiving, I think of President Lincoln's Proclamation designating the last Thursday of November as a day of prayer for the United States. Although the Civil War had not yet ended, the rebellious states were exhausted and largely occupied by union troops. Despite the war, the nation had been blessed by extraordinary abundance in its fields, mines, and industry. The population had increased; and no European power had threatened its borders. The carnage would continue for several more months but there was reason to give thanks, and cause for rejoicing. 

My gratitude increases when I remember that General Lee surrendered at Appomattox. General Grant allowed the rebels to retain their weapons and return home, and General Lee did not urge them to continue a guerrilla war -- which might have persisted to this day. 

We are once again a troubled nation. If few expect another civil war, few expected the last one. Only the most radical abolitionists and secessionists saw it coming. So long as Mr. Trump refuses to accept his defeat and acknowledge his responsibility for the insurrection of January 6, 2020, the present violence could escalate into guerrilla war. 

But the Lord is good in every moment, and gracious to us at all times, and so we are grateful. It is God who grants joy of heart and peace of mind, and we must ask Him for these blessings. We should put no conditions on these gifts like, "I'll be happy when...." or "I'll know peace if...." 

Rather, like the distressed disciples on their way to Emmaus, we look to discover the reassuring, calming presence of the Lord both in the world around us and within our hearts. As they said with much wonder, "Were not our hearts burning within us?" 

This is a decision that we make; it doesn't just happen. There are many people who refuse to participate in Thanksgiving. They might rationalize their obstinacy, and their friends and family will be hard pressed to refute their reasons. In some households, that cynicism will prevail and meals will be taken in sullen silence. 

We choose to celebrate Thanksgiving today. We recall the mercy God has shown to our family, church, and nation, and to each of us personally. We choose to be glad and grateful of heart as we remember and name the Lord's innumerable gifts. 

In the Spirit of the Crucified and Risen Lord, gladness comes easily as we pray with Yeshua Ben Sirach and our ancient ancestors,

May his goodness toward us endure in Israel

    to deliver us in our days.