New York, 3 October 1789
By the President of the United States of America. A Proclamation.
Whereas it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor…I do recommend and assign Thursday the 26th day of November next to be devoted by the People of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being, who is the beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be—That we may then all unite in rendering unto him our sincere and humble thanks…
—George Washington
Thanksgiving enriches all of life. It has a positive impact on our attitude, our relationships, our emotions and even our physical health. It’s uplifting to be in the company of people who live in constant amazement at the blessings around them. Perpetual complainers can be such a drag!
Cultivating the quality of gratitude in your life will keep you mindful of all that you have been given to enjoy and guard you from becoming obsessed with what you do not have in life. It thus proves a powerful antidote to the ever-encroaching pride, jealousy, and disappointment that can infect even the most favored among us.
To be perfectly frank, while it’s a helpful annual reminder and most delicious of all our holidays, we do not need the father of our country to direct us to be thankful. It’s the most fundamental response of a heart convinced that our lives are governed by a generous creator.
The Hebrew Scriptures give very specific instructions for thanksgiving offerings in Leviticus 7. The Psalms say that expressing thanks is how we enter into God’s very presence (100:4). The Apostle Paul goes so far as to urge that we learn to “give thanks in all circumstances” (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
The late Clyde Kilby used to prime the pump for thanks this way: “At least once every day I shall look steadily up at the sky and remember that I, a consciousness with a conscience, am on a planet traveling in space with wonderfully mysterious things above and about me.” One thing for which I am particularly grateful is the sustained spirit of unity and cooperation we have enjoyed among the churches of Celebration in my 15 years of ministering here. Other communities are not so fortunate.
In an age of polarization, we set aside an evening once each year to gather for the sole purpose of singing and praying and declaring our thankfulness to God for his blessings upon our lives and community. Please join us. Let our unity be expressed in our thanks!
Celebration Community Service of Thanksgiving, Community Presbyterian Church
Tuesday, November 23, 7 p.m.