So, this bunch of illegal aliens turns up in the neighborhood, and some of them have the nerve to rob you.* Next thing you know most of them are sick and they don’t have enough food. What do you do? Welcome them, help them out, and then have a party, at least that’s what Samoset, Tisquantum (Squanto), and chief Massasoit did when the Pilgrims showed up.

At Thanksgiving I often read Edward Winslow’s account of the harvest festival in the fall of 1621 at Plymouth. “Our harvest being gotten in, our governor sent four men on fowling, that so we might after a special manner rejoice together, after we had gathered the fruits of our labors . . . many of the Indians coming amongst us, and amongst the rest their greatest king Massasoit, with some ninety men, whom for three days we entertained and feasted, and they went out and killed five Deer, which they brought to the Plantation and bestowed on our Governor, and upon the Captain and others. And although it be not always so plentiful, as it was at this time with us, yet by the goodness of God, we are so far from want, that we often wish you partakers of our plenty.”

I like the spirit of this gathering–rejoicing in the bounty of God and sharing with others. Wouldn’t it be great if that spirit was expressed by everyone? Let’s praise God for what we have received and share with others regardless of who they are. That’s a real Thanksgiving.

Read Psalm 100 and remember: God loves YOU unconditionally.

Posted by Wayne in November 2016

*By the way, the Pilgrims eventually paid back the corn they had stolen from Nauset tribe.