Most of us give thanks to God with some regularity by saying “grace” before we eat meals. However, the Christian poet, Henry Alford, practiced a different way of showing his gratitude – he offered thanks after meals by rising from his chair, reaching for the hands of those around the table with whom he had just shared the good food, and expressing his gratitude to God for the blessings that were still ahead.

There is something very special about Alford’s way of saying “thank you.” It is an all-encompassing expression of thanks, not only for the food itself, but also for the labor involved in the preparation of the meal, the joyful conversation around the table, the empty plates with only a few crumbs left on them, and the expression of trust in God’s loving provision, not only for this one particular meal, but for all future meals as well.

God has given us in His Son, a true harvest banquet – an eternal source of comfort and freedom. Jesus, Himself, has completed the work of our salvation, has made us sisters and brothers with each other through the gift of faith, has encouraged us to savor the blessings of everyday living, and has shown us with His faithfulness that we can trust Him forever.

My prayer for everyone in our Salem Church family is that we would not only express our thanks as we prepare to receive all that our Lord puts before us, but that we would also rise to express the certainty of our hope in all that is to come.

“Come, ye thankful people, come.” A blessed Thanksgiving to all! ~Rev. Linda