2020-11-24 – Thanksgiving Evensong – The Rev. Christopher M. Klukas
Psalm 65:1-8; James 1:17-27; Matthew 6:25-33
- This Thanksgiving is likely to be very different for you than the celebrations of years past.
- You may still have turkey, and stuffing, and cranberries, and pumpkin pie, but you may not see as many people from outside your household, if you see any at all.
- Not only that, you may find your plans changing at a moment’s notice! As mine did this past weekend when I went into quarantine!
- The first Thanksgiving came out of a time of adversity as well.
- The Mayflower arrived in in Plymouth Harbor on December 18, 1620.
- Most people had to remain on the ship through the winter until March.
- Supplies were short.
- More than half of the settlers died due to an epidemic of sickness and poor nutrition.
- The “first Thanksgiving” was celebrated in the fall of 1621.
- Edward Winslow – “And God be praised we had a good increase… Our harvest being gotten in, our governor sent four men on fowling, that so we might after a special manner rejoice together after we had gathered the fruit of our labors. They four in one day killed as much fowl as, with a little help beside, served the company almost a week. At which time, amongst other recreations, we exercised our arms, many of the Indians coming amongst us, and among the rest their greatest king Massasoit, with some ninety men, whom for three days we entertained and feasted, and they went out and killed five deer, which they brought to the plantation and bestowed on our governor, and upon the captain and others. And although it be not always so plentiful as it was at this time with us, yet by the goodness of God, we are so far from want that we often wish you partakers of our plenty.”
- 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 – “Give thanks in all circumstances”
- Paul was a man who knew adversity, but he was able to find joy and contentment and to give thanks in all circumstances.
- I’m sure this has been a difficult year for you in one way or another.
- I’m sure this has also been a year of blessing for you and it is important to recognize this as well.
- God has been watching over you, and he will continue to do so.
- Matthew 6:26 – you have value in God’s eyes.
- When we feel down or worn or beaten up by the circumstances of life, one of the best things we can do is “Give thanks in all circumstances.”
- Let us now share our blessings:
- I give thanks for the life of the two babies who came into our family this year that we never had a chance to meet.
- I am also thankful for the health of our family and God’s provision for us this year.
