How are you feeling this week as Thanksgiving approaches?

This year it is distressing that we are not able to gather together for Thanksgiving in the ways we are used to doing. Thankfulness probably does not come as easily in a time of pandemic! 

In the book of Colossians, chapter 3, the apostle Paul reminds us to “clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience… Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body."

Then, after this listing, at the end of verse 15 comes a three-word sentence, which is one of my favorite Bible passages: “And be thankful”.

Sound easy? No, but even in times of trouble, we can be thankful!

Here are some words from a hymn that is often sung at this time of year:

We gather together to ask the Lord’s blessing;
He chastens and hastens his will to make known;
The wicked oppressing now cease from distressing.
>Sing praises to his name; he forgets not his own.

We all do extol you, our leader triumphant,
and pray that you still our defender will be.
Let your congregation escape tribulation;
Your name be ever praised! O Lord, make us free!

Even when we can’t “gather together” and may be feeling anxiety and worry, distress, disappointment, loneliness, etc., hopefully we can also feel gratitude and remain thankful for the many blessings we receive.

A blessed Thanksgiving to all of you.

– John Helgen, Director of Music Ministry