Reflections

Reflection

This coming week will be a time for us as a nation to come together in large gatherings or small, or even in the quietness of our own souls, to give thanks for the richness and blessings of this land. This day of Thanksgiving was first proposed by George Washington for November 26, but subsequent Presidents were less supportive of the idea. For instance, Thomas Jefferson thought that for the government to proclaim what amounts to a religious holiday was a violation of the separation of church and state. This particular national celebration did not really gain traction until President Lincoln, ironically, in the midst of the Civil War (1863) called the nation to a day of thanksgiving to be celebrated on the last Thursday in November. This date was formalized by legislation passed by Congress in 1870 and signed into law by President Grant.

Most contemporary churches are concluding their financial stewardship seasons during this time,  and the dovetailing of the local congregation’s emphasis on gratitude to God ( see previous newsletters) and our national holiday makes for good programmatic synergy. It works well for everyone (Reminder: please return your pledge card!).

But let me offer a brief additional thought on gratitude. This year, the Sunday after Thanksgiving will be the First Sunday in Advent- the beginning of a new liturgical year. Again, noticing the liturgical rhythms and the rhythms of nature is instructive. As we have come to the end of our liturgical year our scripture readings have been full of apocalyptic and end of the world imagery. Light is diminishing in our natural world in the northern hemisphere, and our ancient Northern European ancestors in existential distress produced elaborate rituals to call back the Sun. The Winter Solstice is one example.

In our Church, as the daylight becomes less and the darkness seems to consume, we Christians( at least in this part of our world) do a very simple thing- we light a candle. We dare to hope (the major theme of Advent) and use an ancient symbol of the divine (fire) to say that God is present in all things, even in the darkest of times.

God’s presence, even in the chaos and confusion of my life; even when I cannot feel that presence or fully appreciate the mystery; even when it’s tempting to give up and give in- we light a candle and dare to hope.

Maybe President Lincoln was on to something. Maybe thanksgiving is not something that should arise simply from our bounty, but also in the difficult moments when we behold the source of our ultimate hope.

Other Matters of Importance: 

Jail Ministry Meal -Saturday, November 23:

If you have committed to bring a portion of the Thanksgiving meal to the residents of the Yalobusha County jail, please meet with your dish at the Salt and Light building by 3:45 on Saturday.

Thank You Card to Davidson Elementary Students:

There will be a large “thank you” card at church on Sunday for all of us to sign in gratitude for the efforts by these elementary students to collect items for our Blessing Box. Their project was a great success and we owe them all a word of thanks.

Pre-Christmas Party- Home of Tommy and Liz Reynolds December 7:

In what is becoming a pre-Christmas tradition at Nativity, Tommy and Liz have invited the congregation (all ages) of Nativity to their home (1720 North Main) for an evening of fun and fellowship on December 7. We’ll begin with appetizers and drinks at 5:30, followed by dinner at 6:00. REMINDER: It will be very helpful to our hosts to know how many of us to expect, so let Liz know if you are planning to join us. (emfreynolds@gmail.com/662-473-6044).

See you Sunday!

Blessings and Peace,

Duncan

Dmgrayiii@gmail.com

(601)260-1937