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Story Archives: Our Thanksgiving Message...
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Our Thanksgiving Message...
By Pastor Joe Stroud
Harvest Christian Church
The year "2008" will no doubt be one of the most historic Thanksgivings of our generation. Never before have we, the American people, been given an opportunity to again ensure the world that we live in the greatest nation on Earth.
On November 4, 2008, we, as a nation, exercised our democracy again, by going out in record number to vote. By the end of the night, our country had elected a new president, reflecting that a "new time" has come to our country. In his acceptance speech, Presidential Elect Barack Obama stated that, "this was a defining moment".... and that "change has come to America." If you were one of some sixty-three million who voted for Senator Obama, your view of this change is optimistic, hopeful and filled with anticipation. If you are one of some fifty-five million who voted for Senator McCain, your views of this change may be somewhat different.
Yet for all, change is on the way — yet some things never change. It has been said that "history has a way of repeating itself" and we find this to be true in many ways.
In 1621 at Plymouth Plantation, history was made. The English colonist and the Wampanoag Indians share a "defining moment in history." They embrace the changes of their day, with an attitude of cooperation and interaction that still lives on today with the holiday tradition of Thanksgiving Day. No doubt some were optimistic about the changes that were being dealt with, and some were very reserved and cautious. Yet all contributed and brought "plenty to the table." In that defining moment they lived out the thought that, "out of many, we are one" and that "while we breathe, we have hope." No doubt in the coming months and years that lie ahead there will be many challenges, but may we, the American people, keep alive the dreams of our ancestors, "Truly America is a place where all things are possible."
Daniel Webster defined Thanksgiving as, "The act of giving thanks, a prayer expressing gratitude, or a public acknowledgment of divine goodness." The Psalmist David said in Psalms 50:14 "Offer unto God thanksgiving, and pay they vows unto the most high." My prayer this year for our country, our communities and our leaders, is that we are, and will remain, "One Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all." |
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