Thanksgiving is a time for families and friends to gather together and express gratitude for all that we have been given, the freedoms we enjoy, and the loved ones who enrich our lives. We recognize that all of these blessings, and life itself, come not from the hand of man but from Almighty God.
Thanksgiving provides a formal context in which to consider the instances of kindness that have enlightened our lives, for moments of grace that have gotten us through when all seemed lost. These are fine and sentimental subjects for contemplation.
Lord, for the erring thoughtOur thanksgiving accept.
Thanksgiving is not an anachronism whose time is past. It is much more than a holiday to celebrate a meal shared between the Pilgrims and Native Americans. It is a time to reflect and be thankful for what we have--not for what we cherish, desire or envy.
Thanksgiving-day, I fear,As for the sake of getting more!
And taught by thee the Church prolongsHer hymns of high thanksgiving still.
Great as the preparations were for the dinner, everything was so contrived that not a soul in the house should be kept from the morning service of Thanksgiving in the church.
Ah! on Thanksgiving day, when from East and from West,What calls back the past, like the rich pumpkin pie?
And let these altars, wreathed with flowers The early and the latter rain!