“Great is thy faithfulness,
Great is thy faithfulness,
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed thy hand hast provided;
Great is thy faithfulness,
Lord unto me …”
Hymn: Great Is Thy Faithfulness
For the 25 years that I have lived in America, I have loved Thanksgiving (the holiday). Of course, I quickly came to learn that even Thanksgiving (the holiday) is not without controversy and issue – as is everything in a broken world with broken people. But I grew to appreciate and enjoy a holiday that is (at its best) about family and friends coming together, sharing a meal, and reflecting on and expressing all that we are thankful for. It is a beautiful concept. And the practices of fellowship, breaking bread, and gratitude are, I think, a glimpse of the Church. Even the kingdom.
While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, ‘Take and eat; this is my body.’ Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, ‘Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.’
Matthew 26:26-29
Of course, as a society we cannot linger in blessings for too long. Within 24 hours, or less, we are in a frenzy of Black Friday deals that carry us through to Cyber Monday, and beyond. It is ludicrous! We have all seen quotes or memes that recognize the value whiplash, such as:
“The irony is we have a complete day dedicated to giving thanks for what we have (Thanksgiving), followed by a day of consumerism at its worst (Black Friday)”
or
“Black Friday – because only in America can people trample each other for a sale exactly one day after being thankful for what they already have!”
The Church also has a hard time basking in gratitude – both in Thanksgiving (the holiday) and thanksgiving (the practice). We often ignore the former (Thanksgiving is not on a Sunday nor really a Christian holiday) – and we struggle mightily with the latter. After all, Advent starts on Sunday…we have our own value whiplash to attend to. Let the liturgical frenzy begin!
I could quote any number of Scripture passages on the importance of gratitude. And I could cite all kinds of scientific studies that show how vital gratitude is to health and wellbeing. None of them would be new to us. Knowledge is not the problem. The discipline of an abiding thanksgiving – individually and as a Church – is the struggle.
God knows this. God also knows we are a forgetful people. So, God’s Word is full of reminders to “give thanks” – in the midst of joy, in the midst of pain, in the midst of messiness, in prayers, in worship, in giving, in receiving, in response, in anticipation… in all things.
At its core, giving thanks is the practice of paying attention to what God has done, what God is doing, and what God will do. It strengthens us through the connection of memory and hope. It reminds us of God’s faithfulness. And at this time – maybe at all times – it is an audacious declaration of faith in things unseen.
“… Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine and ten thousand beside.”
Blessings on your Thanksgiving (the holiday) and on your thanksgiving (the practice). May our gratitude be a way of life and a bold witness to the world – today, and always.
Prompts:
- How has God shown His faithfulness to your church community this past year, and how can you intentionally name and celebrate those testimonies together?
- In what ways might your church be rushing past the discipline of gratitude (for example, moving quickly to the busyness of Advent), and how can you slow down to corporately practice thanksgiving as worship?
- How can you, individually and as a community, resist the culture of consumerism and instead model a countercultural life of gratitude, generosity, and contentment in and through Christ?
We at The Ministry Collaborative are so very grateful for you and your ministry.
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