Remember the parable where Jesus warned against thankfulness in corporate worship? It’s a well-known parable in Luke 18, the first in a trilogy of scenes that question our assumptions about status and blessing in relationship with others. In the third…
What if Thanksgiving were a time to celebrate the natural creation?
Christian churches in the United States often take advantage of national holidays to communicate particular theological points. For example, Memorial Day and Veterans Day provide opportunities to celebrate the idea of Jesus sacrificing his life on the Cross for spiritual…
Mitch Albom: ‘God can answer your prayers sometimes with something that breaks your heart’
This Thanksgiving, broaden your view on thankfulness. I love Thanksgiving. In fact, next to Christmas, it’s my favorite holiday. I love everything about it — the sounds, the smells, and, of course, the food. Would it even be Thanksgiving without…
Rethinking the Thanksgiving story with truth and gratitude
Thanksgiving is a holiday nearly every American can celebrate in some way. In the spirit of gratitude, one, 10 or more can gather at the table and acknowledge their many blessings. But after a closer look at its history, we’re…
Tips for having a Thanksgiving Dinner conversation about immigrants without choking
Christians compassionate toward migrants and refugees can prevent or de-escalate heated arguments during holiday gatherings by developing empathy for disagreeable relatives and staying out of lecture mode, an immigrant advocate and former college debate coach advises. “Your loved ones did…
On All Saints Day and Thanksgiving: ‘Hey, … me too!’
“Hey, me too.” That’s what a beloved church member said to me as we were leaving the sanctuary last Sunday after our All Saints Sunday observance. Having him say those words stopped me in my tracks. They made me feel…
A prescription for the 2020 Thanksgiving blues
“This will be the first time in 76 years I haven’t spent Thanksgiving with family,” my friend lamented. Not quite teary eyed, but obviously dismayed, she told me that her Thanksgiving would be spent at home with her husband. “For…
This year, I’m thankful because I do not understand
As is the tradition in most Romanian churches at Thanksgiving, people gather to thank God for their blessings. While the testimonies follow a common pattern — words of thanksgiving and stories about God’s work in their lives — what makes…
Thanksgiving looks different at churches but the spirit of helping goes on
As families rethink their Thanksgiving plans amid the COVID-19 pandemic, so too have churches. In accordance with public health guidelines, many congregations have shelved plans for churchwide meals and high-touch canned food drives. For example, Melissa United Methodist Church in…