An Offering of Thanksgiving

Giving thanks is possibly more common this time of year, with the holiday of Thanksgiving putting it on our minds. We are (hopefully) more conscious of our gifts and blessings, and more expressive to those to whom we are grateful. Unfortunately, we don’t always think to thank the One who has given us everything. We are thankful for what we have, but do we take time to thank the One who gave it to us? What could we possibly offer to the One who possesses everything?

 

For the beauty of the earth,

For the beauty of the skies,

For the love which from our birth

Over and around us lies,

 

The author, Folliot Pierpoint, wrote this sitting on the hills of Bath, marveling at the beauty surrounding him, a gift God has given to mankind. There is such beauty in creation that we could never replicate, duplicate or even imagine. The earth is rich in splendor of many kinds; animals, trees, flowers, brooks, oceans, cliffs, mountains, and beaches. There is such variety and uniqueness. The skies declare the glory of God, mountains of clouds always changing, the colors of a sunset and the vastness of the stars in the universe, all so wonderful. Yet, God’s beauty comes close to home in the love we experience in our families, churches and communities. God’s love itself is a gift beyond measure.

 

For the beauty of each hour

Of the day and of the night,

Hill and vale, and tree and flow’r,

Sun and moon, and stars of light,

 

Life itself is a beautiful gift. Each breathe we take is a gift from God, one which we do not deserve. There is beauty in the light of day, but also in the splendor of nighttime when we can see the moon and stars. There is beauty in the changing countryside, the variety of plants and celestial beings. God did not have to make the earth beautiful. He did not have to make anything beyond functionality, but He did. He created things which sole purpose is to be beautiful. He enjoys His beautiful creation and intended for it to be a blessing of beauty to us as well.

 

For the joy of human love,

Brother, sister, parent, child,

Friends on earth, and friends above,

For all gentle thoughts and mild,

 

We also have the beauty of human relationships. God did not intend for us to be alone, and even said it is not good to be alone. We were made for community, for the mutual help, benefit and enjoyment we derive from others. We all have a purpose to fulfill where we are, each different and unique. There is beauty in the way we come together and work together, in a church that functions in love and unity despite differences. I am blessed to belong to a church that excels at loving others. We are close knit and kind hearted, and it is a beautiful thing to behold and be a part of.

 

For Yourself, best gift divine,

To the world so freely given,

Agent of God’s grand design;

Peace on earth and joy in heaven.

 

The greatest gift we have received, the greatest blessing bestowed on us, is God Himself. He freely gave Himself to be the sacrifice for our sins so that He could have fellowship with us. That is why He created us, to have fellowship with Him. We could never deserve it, yet He gave it anyway. If nothing else, we have His salvation and sacrifice to be thankful for.

 

Christ, our Lord, to Thee we raise

This our hymn of grateful praise.

 

The author wrote this hymn ultimately to accompany the Lord’s supper, as a reminder of the very great gift we have been given in Jesus’ sacrifice and salvation. That is our ultimate reason for thanks in every day and season! This was meant to be, not only a reminder, but also an offering to God, a thank offering of praise which is really all we can give in return!

 

What do you have to be thankful for? How can you offer a sacrifice of praise and thanks to the One who has blessed you?