The Eve of Thanksgiving (Harvest Observance) – November 27,
2024Psalm 104; Deuteronomy 26:1-11; 2 Corinthians 9:6-15St. Luke 12:13-21
In the Name of the Father, and of the +
Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
After a tumultuous journey, the pilgrims
landed in New England on November 11, 1620. It was much too late to plant
anything and their supplies were already running thin. Those who survived that
first winter survived by hunting, gathering, and even looting the graves of
local Indians who left food offerings for their dead. About half of those first
pilgrims died that winter.
When winter finally gave way to spring,
the colonists were able to begin planting. The Lord greatly blessed them that
year. They found the earth to be fruitful and knew this to be the providence of
God. The Lord had heard their cries and answered their prayers for sustenance.
That fall, they celebrated what has come to be called “The First Thanksgiving.”
This was a three-day feast, full of food, games of skill, and military
demonstrations. The participation of the Indians was likely at the sound of the
firing of muskets during the military demonstrations. By some accounts, 90
Indians, who were already in communication with the colony, cautiously approached
and then joined in the feast.
The story of the first Thanksgiving is
instructive to us for at least two reasons: first because it is our national
history, part of our national mythos. In keeping with the Fourth Commandment,
we ought to give due honor to our forefathers, including the forefathers of our
nation. Thanksgiving is not a liturgical holiday. It was not instituted by
Christ nor does it specifically celebrate an event or person in Holy Scripture.
But it is a national holiday, a day important to our nation. As citizens, it is
part of our history. It is good to participate in such holidays, so long as
they do not contradict Scripture, because it is the heritage of our fathers.
Second, the story of the first
Thanksgiving acts as a foil (or opposite) to the rich man in Christ’s parable.[1]
One year, the certain rich man receives a bountiful harvest. This harvest is so
plentiful, that he seems to think he will never need to work again. He has
brought in enough grain to sustain him for the rest of his life. It is time to
pull down his barns, build bigger ones, then eat, drink, and be merry.
Thinking like worldly men, we become jealous
of the rich man. He has hit the jackpot! He will never need to work again and
can spend his days in comfort and relaxation. Food and money will never be a
problem for him. Isn’t that the American dream?
What the rich man doesn’t consider is
how short this life might be. In fact, the very same night he decides what to
do with this great harvest, the Lord requires his soul, that is, the rich man
dies. He dies and is condemned for his selfishness, greed, and covetousness. And
what becomes of the bountiful harvest? It likely goes to rot. The rich man spoke
to himself when considering what to do with the harvest. He doesn’t seem to
have friends or family around. He doesn’t even consider the servants he almost certainly
has. His neighbors are left out entirely. There is no one to inherit his goods.
Now compare the rich man to the story of
the first Thanksgiving. Half of those who arrived in 1620 died over the winter.
Those were mothers, fathers, husbands, wives, children, and grandchildren who
died. They were hunters who could provide food and housewives who could care
for the home and make food. They were the children for whom the colonists were
building a brighter future. And then came 1621. They had a bountiful harvest.
The Lord blessed them with food. When harvest time came, I’m sure some of the
colonists thought back to the previous winter and immediately began thinking
about building bigger barns. “What if it is another terrible winter? What if tragedy
should strike again? Will another half of our people die? We had better eat
only the least amount necessary so that we don’t starve this winter…”
But that isn’t what they did. They held
a three-day feast—not a meal, a feast. There was more food consumed than
necessary to stay alive. They drank wine, to gladden their hearts.[2]
They held military demonstrations, which means the men most capable of hunting spent
three days performing for their families instead of gathering even more food.
They fired their muskets using rounds that could’ve been saved for yet more
hunting, gathering more food.
The historic record doesn’t indicate
they were being reckless with sumptuous living, but they did enjoy a feast.[3]
They received their harvest for the Lord and gave thanks to Him by enjoying the
prosperity He had given them. This was, in fact, an act of faith. They trust
that the Lord who had once provided for them would continue to provide for
them.
The rich man in Christ’s parable was so concerned about his future of easy living that he forgot about the present. He could’ve easily held a feast for his servants, his friends, and neighbors, and still would’ve had plenty to serve his future needs. He believed, trusted, in his profits, and gave no mind to the Lord. He did not trust in God, let alone fear Him. The rich man thought he had no more troubles because the almighty dollar had already saved him. This left no room for giving thanks to God, nor praise, nor repentance.
Whatever the last year has brought you—whether
a year of sorrow or joy, a year of plenty or a year of lack—give thanks to the
Lord. He hears your prayers and will deliver the righteous from the cares of
this world. In fact, He has already delivered you, even if your mortal eyes
cannot see it yet. And whatever the Lord has in store for the coming year—whether
a year of sorrow or joy, a year of plenty or lack—know this: “The Lord is near
to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit.”[5]
He is near to you, not just spiritually, but physically. He has come to you
this evening and soon, you will receive Him into your mouth in Holy Communion.
He is near to you at all times but especially in His Word and Sacraments. There
can be no denying He is close to you when He touches your tongue. Rejoice and
give thanks to the God of all creation, who has chosen you as His beloved son
or daughter.
So enjoy the feast of tomorrow, whether
that is a table full of people, multiple turkeys, potatoes, and desserts, or a
humble meal shared between you and your Lord. Give thanks to Him always because
He delights in you and has provided you with everything you need. He has
forgiven your sins and given you a share in the inheritance of heaven. He has
given you Himself.
In + Jesus’
name. Amen.
