Thanksgiving is a few days away and this year presents many challenges. In past years, there was no need to think about how we were going to celebrate the day. For those fortunate enough to be able to have their need for food, clothing, and shelter met, the typical scenario includes gathering together in groups of various sizes around a table overflowing with delicious delicacies. Thanksgiving was seen as one of the times during the year when we gave ourselves permission to overindulge. It is also a time of reflection where for some families the tradition is going around the table sharing reasons to be thankful. This year we can still overindulge except we have to make a conscious decision about with whom we will eat and how many people will be a part of the celebration. State governors and the Center for Disease Control (CDC) are strongly recommending celebrations be numerically toned down in order to curtail the ongoing spread of the corona virus. The unwelcome interruption in our typical Thanksgiving traditions have prompted some people to question for what reason are we to be thankful?
The "Great Hallel"
In Psalm 136, we find what is called a litany of thanksgiving. Psalm 136 is known as the "Great Hallel." The word "hallel" is from the Hebrew meaning "to praise." The structure of Psalm 136 is what's called an antiphon which is a chant set to music, typically recited by two groups. The Psalm recalls the beloved history and culture of the Israelites and God's faithfulness to His people. The repetition of the response "His love endures forever" is a call to the audience to join and affirm what the Psalmist has composed. The call and response was most likely used as part of a worship service. Despite the current situation we are living through, there's always a reason to give thanks, especially to the Creator of heaven and earth. Therefore, I recommend consideration of starting a new tradition this year. No matter how many people are present at the table, we can focus on engaging in our own "Great Hallel" wherein one person serves as the "worship leader" and those gathered respond with affirmation. The following is an example:
Praise the Lord, Creator of heaven and earth.
We will give thanks!
From the rising of the sun until its going down.
We will give thanks!
For every breath and every heart beat.
We will give thanks!
For our frontline workers who are sacrificing every day.
We will give thanks!
For our government officials who are making the hard choices for our well-being.
We will give thanks!
For the gift of relationship.
We will give thanks!
For God so loving the world that He sent His only Son to save us.
We will give thanks!
For Jesus' resurrection which has conquered sin and death.
We will give thanks!
For God's promise that He will never leave or forsake us even in the darkest times.
We will give thanks!
For anticipation of the day of Jesus' return.
We will give thanks!
Praise the Lord, whose love endures forever.
We will give thanks!
No matter how long or short your personal "Great Hallel" may be, there's many things for which to be thankful. May God bless and keep you and your loved ones this Thanksgiving Day and bring comfort to those who are suffering and have experienced loss this year.
Pastor Sheree
