One of my most prized books is a copy of William Bradford’s “Of Plymouth Plantation.” It is the actual history of the Pilgrims as written by Bradford who became the principle leader. Some have said it is second only to the Bible as the most important for our country. I do agree.
Bradford wrote about the first thanksgiving saying they had a great harvest. He mentions things like cod, bass, and other fish “of which they took a good store, of which every family had no want;” He also mentions “foul.” Then Bradford says, “And besides waterfowl there was great store of wild turkeys…” Yes turkeys were there in great number. It was a memorable event because Bradford says, “many afterwards write so largely of their plenty here to their friends in England, which were not feigned but true reports.” Hence we have turkeys as the center piece of most tables at Thanksgiving.
To keep this in perspective we must remember nearly half of the people died the winter before. There was much sickness, sorrow, and death. Yet in time God brought them food and they found time to rejoice. They were not snowflakes. Bradford’s writings are full of references to God working in their lives. Life is full difficulties as well as blessings. We know God is clearly aware and involved in each step of life we take.
This week our son Caleb who lives in war torn Ukraine wrote a beautiful poem on thankfulness in a world at war.
Lord, how will I give thanks today?
When I bow my head, what will I say?
There is no peace at home this year
Rockets and missiles have brought chaos and fear
Homes in pieces, people fled
Young men fight, many dead
Bombs explode, shake the walls
Families crowd in dark halls
Curfew at night, sirens in the day
Oh, dear Lord what will I say?
In a time of war and violence
Must I celebrate thanksgiving in silence?
Can I be grateful in pain and grief?
Is there any sort of relief?
“Listen now!” The Lord said to me.
“Pay attention and I will show you the key
No war, no despot can ever overcome
The good that I did when I sent you my Son!
A man of suffering, and familiar with pain
He went to the cross for your gain
His sacrifice brings healing and peace
Hope and joy that will never cease.
And now look at what I’m doing even in war
Have you ever seen the church serving more?
In the midst of this terrible cancer
People are now looking for an answer!
Against the black canvas of war
My love shines even more.
Through the hands of the church as they care for the broken
Through the lips of the faithful as love is spoken
Through the feet of the brave as they rescue from danger
Through the hearts of the gentle as they help a stranger.”
Thank you Lord for making this clear
Truly your goodness is always near.
Heal me from my spiritual blindness
Help me to always see your grace and kindness.
When war and evil threaten my living
May I turn to you with praise and thanksgiving
A Prayer for Thanksgiving in War- by Caleb Suko
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Living Nativity is coming Dec. 3 & 4 from 5-8pm. Walk through and see 150 characters plus animals as you walk through Bethlehem on the night of Christ’s birth. Watch our website for more details.