Historically, the Pilgrims came to a foreign land, where there seed did not grow, and they would have died except for the hospitality of some of the indigenous peoples. The first winter there, many women died and corn was rationed out so that, according to one Pilgrim writer, they rationed out five kernels of corn per day. Half of the Pilgrims had died- only 47 of the 102 were left. Samoset knew some English and greeted the Pilgrims 3/16/1621. He came back with Tisquantum, called Squanto, who was a member of the Patuxet Tribe of the Wampanoags and spoke good English. He taught them how to plant corn, how to hunt and to fish in those waters. The land on which the Pilgrims were settling (near Plymoth Rock) was the home of the Patuxets who had been wiped out by a plague three years earlier. Squanto was the last remaining Patuxet and knew that land like no one else, and helped them settle and survive. Squanto helped make a treaty with the Wapanoags and chief Massasoit. Squanto showed hospitality to the Pilgrims, who in turn protected him when Massasoit thought Squanto had betrayed him. When Massasoit got sick, Edward Winslow, a Pilgrim, helped him and that softened Massasoit toward the Pilgrims. The Pilgrims celebrated the first harvest in the new land October 15,1621, giving thanks to God for their bounty. They had invited Chief Massasoit to join them and he in turn invited 90 warriors who brought their own deer and game to the feast. Some have twisted this story as if the Pilgrims could do no good simply for landing on the abandoned land. But the lesson of peace, of a joint meal, of helping each other and welcoming the stranger are important lessons even today.
Today, we do not give thanks simply because of the Pilgrims. We have our own things to be thankful for. As we see wars in other lands, we are grateful for our peace. Today the plague of Covid has lessened sharply over two years ago. Today we can gather at church or football or basketball games without fear. The shortages of some foods (I remember when you could not buy bacon) or goods (remember when toilet paper was scarce) is gone. If you are alive today, it is a reason to give thanks. Life is a great gift. It is a great gift from a great Giver in the Creator. But more than that, there is hope. God can give us hope when we cannot generate hope in and of ourselves. God can help us to "give thanks in all circumstances" because we know that He is able to turn what is evil into good (like the cross into a resurrection).
Christians have the opportunity to let their thanks to God be contagious. Part of good hospitality is inviting others to take part with us, or to take part with others in their place. Jesus had no home to offer others- but He still ate and drank with sinners, and offers to "come in and sup with us" (Rev. 3:20). Being around others and being kind is an important part of hospitality. This Thanksgiving, give thanks with others.
"The First Thanksgiving" Jean Leon Gerome Ferris (1863-1930)
Prayer: Lord as I have opportunity to be with others and show them your love, let me take it. You have been so good to us. Help us to see your blessings, concentrate on them, and find peace, hope, faith, and love in you.
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