Good Folks, it is the Friday before Thanksgiving Day 2019. Over many years I have collected and written down many sayings, phrases and scripture texts that just kind of…hit you between the eyes or hugged you in a moment that can have you appreciate life as a gift from God. Some of these sayings you are familiar with and have been for you and me a philosophy of work, play and/or attitude. Several come to mind: “The end justifies the means; or Trust in the Lord with all your heart – Proverbs 3:5-6; or God wants a whole heart, but he’ll accept a broken one; or There are no flies on you, preacher; Anyone can count the seeds in an apple, but only God can count the apples in the seed; If there is no gardener, there’s no garden;” or…(send a saying to me that has meaning to you).
In six days, we will be celebrating Thanksgiving Day. Celebrate responsibly.
In 1621, the Plymouth colonists and Wampanoag Indians shared an autumn harvest feast that is acknowledged today as one of the first Thanksgiving celebrations in the colonies. For more than two centuries, days of thanksgiving were celebrated by individual colonies and states. It wasn’t until 1863, in the midst of the Civil War, that President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national Thanksgiving Day to be held each November. (www.history.com/topics/thanksgiving/history-of-thanksgiving)
For many folks, it will be a time for family reunions. For others, it will be a time to make new memories, eat lots of food, bring out the Christmas tree and begin the journey of decorating. For some, it’s a day to microwave a turkey and stuffing frozen dinner and watch football, listen to some radio, or read. Some will be alone. (No one should ever be alone.)
My scripture text for Christ the King Sunday will come from Luke 1:67-80, Zachariah’s Prophecy.
Every day is a day of thanks. Life is so precious and delicate. I pray daily for you as I ask that you pray daily for me, the staff and church.
Blessings from Duncanville,
Pastor Frank (alegria@fumcd.com)
PS: No one should be alone on Thanksgiving Day.