Thanksgiving is a complicated holiday for a number of reasons.
First, there is the problematic cultural history associated with it.
Although we learn as children that it was a lovely meal between Native residents and newly landed Europeans, we know now the gravity of the chaos that ensued. Natives were displaced, diseased, and systematically eradicated from the very land they populated long before the pilgrims. If we lose sight of that deep cultural wound in our country, we are turning a blind eye to injustice.
Secondly, for many people, being around family, or vice verse, not being around family, is difficult territory to navigate.
Will grandma behave this year?
Will Uncle Jeff bring up politics?
Will I be asked about my alcoholism or worse, offered a drink?
Major holidays always have the possibility for drama and tension. The stakes are high! Everyone wants to have a good time, a good meal, and good conversation. We dress to impress, clean our homes, try to get invited somewhere, cook a feast…
Ah yes, thirdly, cooking a turkey and all the essential Thanksgiving side dishes is a serious labor!
Did we do justice to grandpa’s stuffing recipe? Canned jelly or fresh cranberries? Sweet potatoes or yams? Is there really a difference?
All that to say, we still find reasons to celebrate Thanksgiving! Despite the historical baggage, we break bread around the table. Despite our family systems, we pass the cup around the table. Despite the exhaustion from preparation and hours on our feet cooking, we still gather and share a meal.
This Thanksgiving, consider what it means to you to continue your traditions.
What has you coming back to this holiday year after year?
What traditions are worth keeping?
What traditions need to end?
Why is thankfulness something worth entering into?
Thanksgiving has elements of Jesus’ last supper: a storied past, tension, squabbling, and even betrayal. Is Jesus deterred? No. He offers himself. He breaks bread and offers peace knowing exactly what it would cost him.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours. We are thankful for all you do!
We are thankful for you and your family, as well as for our extended family of Emmanuel! May God’s blessings continue in health and grace. Being expectant in this Season for the celebration of Jesus as Lord is So Much to be thankful for. “Faith of our fathers, living still ..!!”