How often have we seen this famous Norman Rockwell painting and thought of our own Thanksgiving family traditions? Time to share family stories, noticing how much the grandchildren have grown, bringing a favorite Thanksgiving dish, cooking all day and hoping the food will not be burned or too dry, and giving thanks for the meal that was prepared with loving hands.
Many people across America will not have this same family tradition. If possible, take time to help in a soup kitchen, a rescue ministry for the homeless, give to Coats For The Cold, prepare Thanksgiving boxes for needy families, or invite an aged member of your church to your home for Thanksgiving dinner. You will be greatly blessed.
This Thanksgiving hymn reminds us of God’s grace and mercy.
Come, Ye Thankful People, Come
Come, ye thankful people, come,
Raise the song of harvest home;
All is safely gathered in,
Ere the winter storms begin;
God, our Maker, doth provide
For our wants to be supplied;
Come to God’s own temple, come,
Raise the song of harvest home.
All the blessings of the field,
All the stores the gardens yield;
All the fruits in full supply,
Ripened ‘neath the summer sky;
All that spring with bounteous hand
Scatters o’er the smiling land;
All that liberal autumn pours
From her rich o’er flowing stores.
These to thee, our God, we owe,
Source whence all our blessings flow;
And for these our souls shall raise
Grateful vows and solemn praise.
Come, then, thankful people, come,
Raise the song of harvest home;
Come to God’s own temple, come,
Raise the song of harvest home.
Written By:
Pam Jackson
Knoxville, TN