African American Lectionary Commentary –
THANKSGIVING - Sunday, November 24, 2013 or Thursday, November 28, 2013
Guest Writer for This Unit: Adam Stokes,
Professor of Old Testament/Hebrew Bible and a member of the Society of Friends
The unit you are viewing, Thanksgiving,
is a compact unit. This means that it is not a complete commentary of the
Scripture(s) selected for this day on the calendar, nor does it have a full,
supporting cultural resource unit and worship unit. Instead, to enliven the
imagination of preachers and teachers, we have provided a sermonic outline,
songs, suggested books, and suggested articles, links, and videos. For
additional information see Thanksgiving in the archives of the Lectionary for
2008–2012.
I. Description of the Liturgical Moment
In the United States, the Thanksgiving
holiday often conjures up images of Native Americans and Pilgrims feasting
together. One of the earliest memories I have of school involves me making a
paper turkey (which nearly thirty years later still resides at my parents’
house) and being told the story of how the Native Americans aided the first
European settlers by providing them with enough food to survive the rough
winter. Thanksgiving, both in kindergarten and throughout the rest of my grade
school experience, came to symbolize the supposed “harmony” between the
indigenous peoples of America and their newly arrived neighbors.
Yet, in black American culture, this
traditional view of Thanksgiving has often been viewed, justifiably, as
problematic. In contrast to our Caucasian colleagues, many of whom are
descended from the early Pilgrim settlers, many of our ancestors came to this
country through the Middle Passage, not of their own will, but as slaves.
Rather than fleeing persecution or oppression to find a land of freedom, the
journey to America represented the ultimate loss of freedom for our ancestors
as they were stripped of their dignity and hope (though never their faith).
Nevertheless, it is we as black Americans
who perhaps have the most to be thankful for. In spite of the obstacles, we as
a race have endured; we are, by the grace of God, still here. We, like the
prophet David, are thankful to the God of the Bible for bringing us this far,
and we are thankful for the family and community that God has placed in our
midst. With this material as our backdrop, we provide a sermonic outline for
Thanksgiving.
II. Thanksgiving: Sermonic Outline
A. Sermonic Focus Text(s): 1 Chronicles
29:11-13 (New Revised Standard Version)
(v. 11) Yours, O LORD, are the greatness,
the power, the glory, the victory, and the majesty; for all that is in the
heavens and on the earth is yours; yours is the kingdom, O LORD, and you are
exalted as head above all. (v. 12) Riches and honor come from you, and you rule
over all. In your hand are power and might; and it is in your hand to make
great and to give strength to all. (v. 13) And now, our God, we give thanks to
you and praise your glorious name.
B. Possible Titles
i. Thankfulness in ALL Things
ii. The God Who Gives Us Strength
iii. Victory Is the Lord's
C. Point of Exegetical Inquiry
In Hebrew, the verb rendered in most
English translations as “to thank” (yadah) can also mean “to confess” as seen,
for example, in Ezra 10:1 (NRSV: “Ezra prayed and made confession”). For the
biblical authors, confession represents an expression of gratitude and thanks.
For many of us, particularly those of us who are struggling through troubling
times, we often find it difficult to bring ourselves to thank God for anything.
Yet, in the very act of confessing to God, of acknowledging God’s presence in
our life even in difficult periods, we are giving thanks to the Lord.
The phrase “riches and honor” in 1
Chronicles 29:12 has often been interpreted as referring to material wealth.
This interpretation possibly originates from the Latin version of the Hebrew
Bible, translated by Jerome in the 4th century, where the Hebrew term osher is
translated as divitiae, which literally means material goods. However, osher
can also mean “enrichment” not in a material sense such as in the obtainment of
wealth or goods but in the sense that one’s soul and spirit are enriched
through the presence of God in one’s life. Even as many of us struggle
financially, we can be assured that God’s presence in our life will enrich our
weakened spirits and give us the strength to face whatever challenges we may
endure.
III. Introduction
For many of us, our situation is much
different than David's in the context of this passage from the Chronicler's
history. This has been a difficult year for our people. The problems with the
nation's economy have hurt us the most. We have had to endure the tragedies of
Trayvon Martin and Jordan Davis. Thanksgiving and giving thanks to a God who
seems to permit these things to happen may be the last thing on many of our
minds.
Yet we must remember that we are not
alone. In the midst of the chaos of this fallen world, we serve a God whom, as
David proclaims here, is mightier and more powerful than we can imagine. We
serve a God who quelled the storm on the sea for His disciples and will quell
the storms in our lives as well. Moreover, we have cause to be thankful that
this God who is so transcendent and majestic has chosen to be immanent and
present in our lives through Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. We have cause to
be grateful for the mercy and compassion of God.
IV. Moves/Points
Move/Point One – We serve a God of power
and glory.
a. This God showed His power in the life
of David;
b. This God showed His power through
Jesus; and
c. This God continues to show His power
in our lives.
Move/Point Two – God can strengthen and
exalt us.
a. God gave strength to our ancestors;
b. God exalted our ancestors; and
c. God will strengthen us and exalt us in
spite of adversities.
Move/Point Three – God is worthy of
thanks.
a. We should follow the example of David
who gave God thanks;
b. We should thank God with our mouths;
and
c. We should thank God through our
actions towards others.
V. Celebration
In the midst of prosperity and happiness
it is easy indeed to thank God for blessings. When we are going through hard
times, when our experiences do not seem to correspond with what we believe we
as people of God deserve, thanksgiving becomes much more difficult. But this
Thanksgiving we will follow the example of David. David thanked God in the
midst of a variety of circumstances: in the midst of the good, the bad, and the
ugly. The David we encounter in this psalm is the David who thanked God in his
time of affliction. No matter what his situation, David remembers the glory,
majesty, and mercy of God. We indeed serve a mighty God who has chosen to dwell
with us in our lives. For this we are so thankful. We are also thankful that we
can boldly present our concerns and needs to God and then we can faithfully and
patiently wait on God, because our historic and personal testimony is that God
is faithful. Faithful, faithful, faithful is our God. For this we are mighty,
mighty, thankful.
VI. Sounds, Sights, and Colors in This
Passage
Sounds: Sounds
associated with the glory of God (thunder, rumbling, silence);
Sights: Glory
of God filling the temple; the beauty of nature as evidence of God's creative
might and power; people giving praise and thanks to God in a temple or church;
and
Colors: Luminous
darkness; gold (as the color of God's mercy seat); and brown, gold, and rust
(traditional American Thanksgiving colors).
VII. Material That Preachers and Others
Can Use
The following are black American prayers
that can be used for this liturgical moment.
O God, I thank thee for such direct
manifestation of Thy goodness, majesty and power.—George Washington Carver
Oh God, you know I have no money, but you
can make the people do for me, and you must make the people do for me. I will
never give you peace till you do, God.—Sojourner Truth
These prayers were taken from James P.
Moore's The Treasury of American Prayers (New York, NY: Doubleday, 2008).
See the Sermon Illustrations section of
the African American Lectionary for illustrations that you may wish to use in
presenting a sermon for this moment on the liturgical calendar.
VIII. Songs and Worship Material for
Thanksgiving
A. Opening Prayer
Father, we call Thee Father because we
love Thee. We are glad to be called Thy children, and to dedicate our lives to
the service that extends through willing hearts and hands to the betterment of
all mankind. We send a cry of Thanksgiving for people of all races, creeds,
classes, and colors, the world over, and pray that through the instrumentality
of our lives the spirit of peace, joy, fellowship, and brotherhood shall circle
the world. We know that this world is filled with discordant notes, but help
us, Father, to so unite our efforts that we may all join in one harmonious
symphony for peace and brotherhood, justice, and equality of opportunity for
all men. The tasks performed today with forgiveness for all our errors, we
dedicate, dear Lord, to Thee. Grant us strength and courage, and faith and
humility, sufficient for the tasks assigned to us.—Mary McLeod Bethune
B. Hymn(s)
Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven. By
Henry F. Lyte. Music by John Goss
How Great Thou Art. Words and Music by
Stuart K. Hine
Thank You, Lord. Traditional
C. Modern Song(s)
Grateful. By Kurt Carr
God Is Great. By Kevin Davidson
How Can I Say Thank You. By Hezekiah
Walker and Eric McDaniels
D. Congregational Song(s)
Come, Ye Thankful People, Come. By George
J. Elvey
Let All the People Praise Him. By C. H.
Morris
We Gather Together. Netherland Folk Song.
Tune by Edward Kremser
We Give You Thanks. By Evelyn
Haettenschwiller
Count Your Blessings. By Johnson Oatman,
Jr. Tune, (BLESSINGS), by Edwin O. Excell
Now Thank We All Our God. By Martin
Rinkart. Tune, (NUN DANKET), by Johann Cruger
E. Spiritual
Ain't-a That Good News.
F. Gospel Song(s) for Choirs, Ensembles,
or Praise Teams
Every Day Is Thanksgiving. By Leonard
Gregory Burks
He Has Done Great Things for Me. By Jessy
Dixon
Jesus, You Brought Me All of the Way. By
Kenneth Louis. For SATB, solo
Just Can't Tell It All. By Smith Byron
Jerome
Thank You, Jesus. By Bernadette Blount
Salley
G. Liturgical Dance Music
Thank You. By Todd Collins, John Katina,
and Sam Katina
H. Anthem(s)
Lord, We Give Thanks to Thee. By Undine
Smith Moore. For SATB a capella
Thanks Be to Thee. By George Frederic
Handel. For SATB, soprano or tenor, optional solo
Rejoice, Ye Pure in Heart. By Edward
Hayes Plumptre. Arr. by Richard Dirksen. Tune, (VINEYARD HAVEN). For SATB with
optional brass and tympani
I. Offertory Prayer, Song, or
Instrumental
Offertory Prayer for Thanksgiving Day or
Thanksgiving Eve
by Rev. Dr. LaGretta Bjorn
How can we thank you enough for all you
have given us, Lord?
We have so much, more than enough to
supply all our needs.
As we present our tithes and offerings
today, make us mindful of the people, especially the children, whose earthly
needs we are called to supply.
In deepest gratitude, we offer ourselves
back to you,
for your service and your will.
In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.
Song(s)
Keeps On Making a Way. By Percy Gray
You're a Great God. By Percy Gray
Give Him Glory. By DeAndre Patterson
J. Prayer, Song, or Instrumental for the
Period of Prayer
A Morning Prayer of Thanksgiving
by Rev. Dr. LaGretta Bjorn
Loving God, Creator of all that has been,
all that is, and all that is to come;
You made us human and gave us hearts to
love you and follow you.
We thank you for the many blessings you
have given us over this past year.
God, we thank you for all of the
blessings you have given us throughout our lives:
Food to eat,
Clothes to wear,
Shelter from the storm,
People who love us unconditionally.
We thank you for their love because we
recognize that their love for us is a reflection of your love.
We acknowledge that there are times in
our lives when we, ourselves, feel unloved and unlovable.
Give us the grace to love others, even
when they are difficult.
We trust in your faithfulness to carry us
over the rough places of life.
We trust in your love to walk with us
through the difficulties of our days.
We trust in your promise of life
everlasting and put all of our hope in you.
We thank you for Jesus.
We thank you that he died so that we
might have eternal life.
Forgive us for our sins:
The things you asked us to do and we
failed to do
As well as the things you told us not to
do but we did anyway.
We are sorry and we ask that you will
strengthen us
So that we will always follow you.
We pray that your Holy Spirit will be
felt by people who are in pain in mind, body or spirit.
help them to know that you are with them
and you are able to carry them through
their trials.
Bless our church family.
Bless our community.
Bless our nation.
Bless our world.
Enable us to live so that your will might
be made manifest in the world around us.
We ask all these things in the name of Jesus,
our Lord and Savior. Amen.
Songs
Bless This House. By Roy Ringwald
Thank You, Lord. By Seth Sykes and Bessie
Sykes
K. Invitational Song(s)
Count Your Blessings. By Johnson Oatman,
Jr. Tune, (BLESSINGS), by Edwin O. Excell
Come, Now Is the Time to Worship. By
Brian Doerksen
My Life Is in Your Hands. By Kirk
Franklin. (This is the song that the choir would sing at my home church in
Baltimore when the pastor invited persons to join the church. It is also a song
that focuses on the majesty of the God incarnate in Jesus Christ who is with us
in the midst of our trials.)
L. Song(s) for the Benediction or Sending
Forth
Thank You. By Walter Hawkins
May God Be with You. Based on Genesis
31:49. Tune, (MIZPAH), by Wayne Hooper
May the Lord God Be with You. By Terry
Baker and Simeon Baker
Be With Us All, Lord. By Uzee Brown, Jr.
IX. Visual Aids and Websites for
Thanksgiving
The Legend of 5 Kernels. This is material
that can be used for a Children's Thanksgiving Day sermon.
http://childrenssermonstoday.blogspot.com/2012/11/the-legend-of-5-kernels-thanksgiving.html
(accessed 9 May 2013)
http://www.sermons4kids.com/thanksgiving-top-ten.htm
In African American communities in the
late 19th century, Thanksgiving was celebrated in church with special
Thanksgiving sermons.
The Rev. Benjamin Arnett was a prominent
AME cleric in the Ohio AME Church. In his Centennial Thanksgiving sermon on
November 30, 1876, Arnett reflects on the triumphs and failures of American
history and projects a promising course for America's future:
Following the tracks of righteousness
throughout the centuries and along the way of nations, we are prepared to
recommend it to all and assert without a shadow of doubt, that ‘Righteousness
exalted a nation’; but on the other hand following the foot-prints of sin amid
the ruins of Empires and remains of cities, we will say that ‘sin is a reproach
to any people.’ But we call on all American citizens to love their country, and
look not on the sins of the past, but arming ourselves for the conflict of the
future, girding ourselves in the habiliments of Righteousness, march forth with
the courage of a Numidian lion and with the confidence of a Roman Gladiator,
and meet the demands of the age, and satisfy the duties of the hour. Let us be
encouraged in our work, for we have found the moccasin track of Righteousness
all along the shore of the stream of life, constantly advancing holding
humanity with a firm hand. We have seen it ‘through’ all the confusion of
rising and falling States, of battle, siege and slaughter, of victory and
defeat; through the varying fortunes and ultimate extinctions of Monarchies,
Republics and Empires; through barbaric irruption and desolation, feudal
isolation, spiritual supremacy, the heroic rush and conflict of the Cross and
Crescent; amid the busy hum of industry, through the marts of trade and behind
the gliding keels of commerce.
And in America, the battle-field of
modern thought, we can trace the foot-prints of the one and the tracks of the
other. So let us use all of our available forces, and especially our young men,
and throw them into the conflict of the Right against the Wrong.
Then let the grand Centennial
Thanksgiving song be heard and sung in every house of God; and in every home
may thanksgiving sounds be heard, for our race has been emancipated,
enfranchised and are now educating, and have the gospel preached to them!
To read all of the Rev. Arnett's sermon
in African American Perspectives 1818–1907, search Arnett Centennial
Thanksgiving for the full text of the sermon.
Afroculinaria—See this website for tips on
preparing Thanksgiving meals with Africa and African Americans in mind. Online
location: http://afroculinaria.com/2011/11/22/you-asked-for-it-an-african-american-thanksgiving-primer/
See a 2003 article from The Black
Commentator titled “The End of American Thanksgiving: A Cause for Universal
Rejoicing” for another view concerning African Americans celebrating
Thanksgiving. Online location:
http://www.blackcommentator.com/66/66_cover_thanksgiving.html (accessed 5 May
2013).
X. Books to Assist in Preparing Sermons
or Bible Studies Related to Thanksgiving
Preaching Resource
Simmons,
Martha and Frank A. Thomas, eds. Preaching with Sacred Fire: An Anthology of
African American Sermons, 1750 to the Present. New York, NY: W.W. Norton, 2010.
General Resources on Thanksgiving
Renee
Henegar, ed. Thanksgiving Activities. Huntington Beach, CA: Teacher Created
Materials, 2002. (For children ages 6–12)
Barth,
Edna. Turkeys, Pilgrims and Indian Corn: the Story of the Thanksgiving Symbols.
New York, NY: Clarion Books, 2000.
Martin,
Gail Gaymer. We Give You Thanks: Three Services of Thanksgiving. Prescott, AZ:
Educational Ministries, 1996.
Academic/Scholarly Resources on the
Concept of Thanksgiving in the Bible and on Today's Lectionary Reading (1
Chronicles)
Japhet,
Sara. I & II Chronicles: A Commentary. Louisville, KY: Westminster/John
Knox Press, 1993.
Hill,
Andrew E. 1 and 2 Chronicles: From Biblical Text . . . to Contemporary Life.
Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2003.
Page,
Hugh R., Jr., general editor. The Africana Bible: Reading Israel's Scriptures
from Africa and the African Diaspora. Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press, 2010.
Schuller,
Eileen M. and Carol A. Newsom. The Hodayot (Thanksgiving Psalms): A Study
Edition of 1QHa. Atlanta, GA: Society of Biblical Literature, 2012.
XI. Notes for Select Songs and Other
Worship Material
A. Opening Prayer
Prayer by Mary McLeod Bethune. The
Treasury of American Prayers. James P. Moore, ed. New York, NY: Doubleday,
2008.
B. Hymn(s)
Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven. By
Henry F. Lyte. Music by John Goss
Location:
http://www.songsandhymns.org/hymns/detail/praise-my-soul-the-king-of-heaven
How Great Thou Art. Words and Music by
Stuart K. Hine
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal.
Chicago, IL: GIA Publications, 2001. #148
Thank You, Lord. Traditional
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #531
C. Modern Song(s)
Grateful. By Kurt Carr
Location:
Carr, Kurt and The Kurt Carr Singers. No
One Else. Inglewood, CA: Gospocentric, 1998.
God Is Great. By Kevin Davidson
Location:
Davidson, Kevin and The Voices. Full
Circle. Franklin, TN: New Haven Records, 2003.
How Can I Say Thank You. By Hezekiah
Walker and Eric McDaniels
Location:
Walker, Hezekiah and LFC. Live in
Toronto. New York, NY: Verity, 1993.
D. Congregational Song(s)
Come, Ye Thankful People, Come. By George
J. Elvey
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #194
Lead Me, Guide Me: The African American
Catholic Hymnal. Chicago, IL: GIA Publications, 1987. #205
The New National Baptist Hymnal 21st
Century Edition. Nashville, TN: Triad Publications, 2005. #327
Let All the People Praise Him. By C. H.
Morris
Location:
Lead Me, Guide Me: The African American
Catholic Hymnal. #83
The New National Baptist Hymnal 21st
Century Edition. #11
Church of God in Christ. Yes, Lord! Church
of God in Christ Hymnal. Memphis, TN: Church of God in Christ Pub. Board in
association with the Benson Co., 1982. #14
We Gather Together. Netherland Folk Song.
Tune by Edward Kremser
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #342
Lead Me, Guide Me: The African American
Catholic Hymnal. #307
The New National Baptist Hymnal 21st
Century Edition. #326
Yes, Lord! Church of God in Christ
Hymnal. #8
We Give You Thanks. By Evelyn
Haettenschwiller
Location:
Lead Me, Guide Me: The African American
Catholic Hymnal. #140
Count Your Blessings. By Johnson Oatman,
Jr. Tune, (BLESSINGS), by Edwin O. Excell
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #533
Now Thank We All Our God. By Martin
Rinkart. Tune, (NUN DANKET), by Johann Cruger
Location:
Lead Me, Guide Me: The African American
Catholic Hymnal. #208
The New National Baptist Hymnal 21st
Century Edition. #330
E. Spiritual
Ain't-a That Good News.
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #592
Yes, Lord! Church of God in Christ
Hymnal. #171
F. Gospel Song(s) for Choirs, Ensembles,
or Praise Teams
Every Day Is Thanksgiving. By Leonard
Gregory Burks
Location:
Cleveland, James. Gospel Music Workshop
of America. New York, NY: Savoy, 1990.
He Has Done Great Things for Me. By Jessy
Dixon
Location:
Abbington, James. 49 More Hidden
Treasures from the African American Heritage Hymnal. Chicago, IL: GIA
Publications, 2007.
Jesus, You Brought Me All of the Way. By
Kenneth Louis. For SATB, solo
Location:
GIA Publications, Inc.
7404 South Mason Avenue
Chicago, IL 60638
Phone: 1-800-GIA-1358
Online location: www.giamusic.com
Online audio sample available:
www.giamusic.com/mp3s/6131.mp3
Sheet Music available: http://www.giamusic.com/searchPDFS/G6131.pdf
Just Can't Tell It All. By Smith Byron
Jerome
Location:
McConnell, Terri. He Worked It Out. Middleburg,
FL: Emtro Gospel, 2006.
Thank You, Jesus. By Bernadette Blount
Salley
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #534
G. Liturgical Dance Music
Thank You. By Todd Collins, John Katina,
and Sam Katina
Location:
The Katinas. The Katinas: Collection.
Nashville, TN: Gotee Records, 2006.
H. Anthem(s)
Lord, We Give Thanks to Thee. By Undine
Smith Moore. For SATB a capella
Location:
Sheet Music and Sample Available
GIA Publications, Inc.
Phone: 1-800-GIA-1358
Online location: www.giamusic.com
Thanks Be to Thee. By George Frederic
Handel. For SATB, soprano or tenor, optional solo
Location:
GIA Publications, Inc.
Phone: 1-800-GIA-1358
Online location: www.giamusic.com
Rejoice, Ye Pure in Heart. By Edward
Hayes Plumptre. Arr. by Richard Dirksen. Tune, (VINEYARD HAVEN). For SATB with
optional brass and tympani
Location:
Shawnee Press, Inc.
1107 17th Avenue South
Nashville, TN 37212
Phone: 1-800-962-8584
Online location: www.shawneepress.com
I. Offertory Prayer, Song, or
Instrumental
Prayer
Offertory Prayer for Thanksgiving Day or
Thanksgiving Eve. By Rev. Dr. LaGretta Bjorn, Pastor of the United Methodist
Church of Spring Valley in Spring Valley, NY.
Song(s)
Keeps On Making a Way. By Percy Gray
Location:
The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir. This Is
Your House. Brentwood, TN: Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir, 2003.
You're a Great God. By Percy Gray
Location:
Reed's Temple Mass Choir. Keeps On Making
a Way. Franklin, TN: New Haven Records, 2002.
Give Him Glory. By DeAndre Patterson
Location:
DeAndre Patterson. Indianapolis, IN:
Tyscot Records, 2004.
J. Prayer, Song, or Instrumental for the
Period of Prayer
Prayer
The prayer for the morning was provided
by Reverend Dr. LaGretta Bajorn, Pastor of the United Methodist Church of
Spring Valley in Spring Valley, NY.
Song(s)
Bless This House. By Roy Ringwald
Location:
Shawnee Press, Inc.
Phone: 1-800-962-8584
Online location: www.sheetmusicplus.com
Thank You, Lord. By Seth Sykes and Bessie
Sykes
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #536
K. Invitational Song(s)
Count Your Blessings. By Johnson Oatman,
Jr. Tune, (BLESSINGS), by Edwin O. Excell
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #533
The New National Baptist Hymnal 21st
Century Edition. #325
Come, Now Is the Time to Worship. By
Brian Doerksen
Location:
Brian Doerksen. It's Time. New York, NY:
Integrity, 2008.
My Life Is in Your Hands. By Kirk
Franklin
Location:
God's Property from Kirk Franklin's Nu
Nation. New York, NY: Sony Legacy, 1997.
L. Song(s) for the Benediction or Sending
Forth
Thank You. By Walter Hawkins
Location:
Love Alive 4. Jackson, MS: Malaco
Records, 1990.
May God Be with You. Based on Genesis
31:49. Tune, (MIZPAH), by Wayne Hooper
Location:
The Seventh-day Adventist Hymnal.
Hagerstown, MD: Review and Herald Publishing Association, 1985. #673
May the Lord God Be with You. By Terry
Baker and Simeon Baker
Location:
Pace, Joseph. Worship for the Kingdom.
New York, NY: EMI Gospel/Alliant, 2007.
Be With Us All, Lord. By Uzee Brown, Jr.
Location:
African American Heritage Hymnal. #641
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