When you arrive at this time of year when everything has an autumnal feel about it, you can’t help look back on how our year has gone. For me it has been a good year, whilst for others it may have spelled disaster in one form or another. When we feel let down or aren’t as bouncy as we normally are, it is difficult to hang onto the words of Paul in 1 Thessalonians 5:18, where he tells us to give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Giving thanks in all circumstances can be a difficult one for us, but it is important that we follow that through, it is the right way to go.
One of the haunts where I walk regularly, usually to clear head, has some of the most beautifully unusual trees and this year the leaves appear to have been quick to change colour giving us the hint that summer has gone and autumn is upon us. The other day whilst covering the route and looking at those trees, I had a hymn tune running through my mind but couldn’t for the life of me remember all of the lyrics. I knew the tune was Welsh (Ar Hyd Y Nos), but it was the words I had difficulty with. Then everything fell into place. It was a hymn by Fred Pratt Green:
For the fruits of his creation, thanks be to God!
For his gifts to every nation, thanks be to God!
For the ploughing, sowing, reaping,
silent growth while we are sleeping,
future needs in earth's safe keeping,
thanks be to God!
We really do have a lot to give God thanks for!
On our approach to this time of year, we have looked back and given God thanks for the Spring as growth began to show, the daffodils and the lambs, the fresh greens as the leaves opened. We have given thanks for the summer with the flowers that did bloom, the fragrance of the rose and the bustle of harvest time. But now autumn is upon us and we are heading once more toward the festive season, a season that can be quite stressful. Amidst all the hustle and bustle that Christmas brings, we must still give God thanks, but this time give thanks for a birth, the birth of His son, the greatest gift of all. The voice version of the scriptures tells us in 2 Corinthians 9:15 and really says it all:
“Praise God for this incredible, unbelievable, indescribable gift!”
Prayer:
Father God, we give thanks to you with all our hearts; we tell of all your wonderful deeds. We tell of your provision, your protection and your mercy. Today, we tell of all your great blessings lavished on us this year. We ask for your continued grace in the coming festive season when we again give you glory. Amen
Tom Bonnar
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