Focus: In the United States, a day towards the end of November has long been set aside as a time for giving thanks. In 1789, President George Washington became the first president to proclaim a Thanksgiving holiday, when, at the request of Congress, he proclaimed November 26, a Thursday, as a day of national thanksgiving for the U.S. Constitution. The celebration of a say of Thanksgiving varied until Lincoln’s proclamation established a national tradition of celebration on the last day of November.
Tonight we look at holiday plans, gratitude, and karma.
Gathering: Holy One who is known to us by many names and in many ways, we give thanks for the blessings that we have in our lives. Be present now as we enter a time of thought and discussion.
Sentences on the Subject:
And I recommend to them that while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings, they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to His tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners or sufferers…………….. and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquillity and Union. (A.Lincoln, 1861 Proclamation of Thanksgiving)
A celebration of Thanksgiving occurs regularly across Christianity in the form of Communion ) also known as Eucharist, from the Greek meaning giving gratitude or thanks. The words of institution for Communion are held in common across Christianity:
On the night of His betrayal, Christ shared a meal with His friends. He took some bread in his hands, then after he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is given for you. Eat this and remember me.” After the meal, Jesus took a cup of wine in his hands and, after again giving thanks, said, “This is my blood, and with it God makes his new agreement with you. Drink this and remember me.”
Below is some “food for thought”, a few probes that might kick start a conversation. Read over them and pick one (or more, or none) to discuss. Remember to hold space for others to share and share only what you feel comfortable sharing.
- What is something that is giving you life right now? What are you lamenting?
- What changes to normal holiday plans are you anticipating this year due to the pandemic? How are you dealing emotionally with that?
- 1 Thessalonians 5:18 says, “Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” What are you able to give thanks for right now? How does taking time to cultivate and express gratitude make a difference in times like this?
- Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” Discuss whether this text might be encouraging in difficult times.
- If we do good things, Buddha taught, in the future good things will happen to us. If we do bad things, in the future bad things will happen to us. Every moment we create new karma by what we say, do, and think. Discuss.
Commission: Hold on to what is good. Love deeply. Honor others. Stay excited about life and your faith. Be joyful. Be patient. If you pray, have faith. Share with people who are in need. Welcome others into your homes. Be loving to those who hurt you. Be present; be in the moment. Be gentle, even with those with whom you disagree. Be humble. Be a friend of people who aren’t considered important. Do the right thing. If possible, live in peace with everyone. And remember, no matter who you are, or where you are on life’s journey- you are welcome here.
Join the discussion on Zoom (Tuesday Nov 17th at 6:30 EST)
Zoom Link (passcode required) https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83985565110… Meeting ID: 839 8556 5110 Passcode: 851125
My Thoughts and the Thoughts of Others 