We Gather Together
Stories
Lectionary Tales For The Pulpit
Series II Cycle B
The aromas were inviting. Turkey, dressing, gravy, and cranberries. Mashed potatoes and sweet potatoes, green beans and corn. Pecan, pumpkin, and apple pies. It all looked so good. It all smelled so delicious.
Floral arrangements were scattered throughout the house. Roses from the garden adorned the dinner table. Fruit and pine cones spilled out of a basket by the door. A cornucopia held nuts and small fruit on the mantel. Their smells and colors were intoxicating.
There was a quiet in the house. The children were getting dressed. The oven was keeping the food warm and the table was neatly set. Glasses had been wiped, crystal bowls had been filled, and linen napkins were intricately folded. Everything was ready.
This was Thanksgiving. A day to eat. A day to lounge around. A day to share with family and friends.
The doorbell rang and a steady stream of people entered the house. The quiet had come to an end. Children bounded downstairs and gave squeals of delight at the arrival of cousins. Grownups exchanged greetings and gave fruit, a bottle of wine, and other little gifts. Everyone was in a festive mood. Talk was constant and the volume was up.
Grandpa rang the tiny copper bell from the mantel. No one seemed to notice. He rang it again and the room grew quiet. "Gather around. We're going to have our meal, but we can't begin until everyone has given thanks for something in their life. Who would like to start?"
Round and round everyone gave thanks for something. Little Andy gave thanks for his new birthday present last week: a big fire truck that had lights that blinked! Rachel gave thanks for her firstborn son. Ellie thanked God for eighty healthy years. Matt gave thanks for his new job. Everyone had a chance. Everyone gave thanks.
This was Thanksgiving. A day to eat. A day to lounge around. A day to share with family and friends. A time to articulate the gratitude each felt.
Floral arrangements were scattered throughout the house. Roses from the garden adorned the dinner table. Fruit and pine cones spilled out of a basket by the door. A cornucopia held nuts and small fruit on the mantel. Their smells and colors were intoxicating.
There was a quiet in the house. The children were getting dressed. The oven was keeping the food warm and the table was neatly set. Glasses had been wiped, crystal bowls had been filled, and linen napkins were intricately folded. Everything was ready.
This was Thanksgiving. A day to eat. A day to lounge around. A day to share with family and friends.
The doorbell rang and a steady stream of people entered the house. The quiet had come to an end. Children bounded downstairs and gave squeals of delight at the arrival of cousins. Grownups exchanged greetings and gave fruit, a bottle of wine, and other little gifts. Everyone was in a festive mood. Talk was constant and the volume was up.
Grandpa rang the tiny copper bell from the mantel. No one seemed to notice. He rang it again and the room grew quiet. "Gather around. We're going to have our meal, but we can't begin until everyone has given thanks for something in their life. Who would like to start?"
Round and round everyone gave thanks for something. Little Andy gave thanks for his new birthday present last week: a big fire truck that had lights that blinked! Rachel gave thanks for her firstborn son. Ellie thanked God for eighty healthy years. Matt gave thanks for his new job. Everyone had a chance. Everyone gave thanks.
This was Thanksgiving. A day to eat. A day to lounge around. A day to share with family and friends. A time to articulate the gratitude each felt.
