Thanksgiving

 1 Thessalonians 5:18- In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.    

This week end could rightfully be considered one of the important festivals in our Christian calendar. Certainly it is to most others as well.  This is one of a few holiday observances that has a specifically spiritual root.  In the early days of Israel's journey from Egypt, God elevated a number of events to festival status to be perpetual reminders of God's care for them, the feast of tabernacles or booths being one of them.  It is jointly tied to the feast of the harvest and was dually celebrated at the end of the fall harvest as a thanksgiving reminder of God's leading and provision.  The feast of booths is aptly named.  Each family built a tiny structure (booth) of sticks and lived in it for the 7 days of the feast.  The booth was a reminder of God's individual care over each family from the time they left Egypt until they entered Canaan.  Because the feast of the harvest was joined to it, it also served as their thanksgiving feast. The grain was in and some of it was offered to God in recognition of His part in providing food.

Because few of us are tied to the land from an agricultural perspective we perhaps don't know or understand the risks from planting to harvest. But the risks are many- drought, frost, insects, disease and a few other things as well. While many of our jobs have nothing to do with agriculture they also have inherent risks. This year, with its turmoil, will know doubt have highlighted the vulnerability of things we  consider secure. I'm not advocating building booths, but, just maybe,  thanksgiving will have a new meaning.  Let's take a moment to silently ponder God's goodness and then give praise to him for his provision.

Pastor Paul