As a boy, I could not relate too much to the Pilgrims since my family came over much later on less famous ships. Turkey with all the trimmings, to include stuffing, we wonderful. Later a seminary professor explained how the Pilgrims had religious freedom in England, but were unsatisfied because others did not follow their lead.
The hymn "Now Thank We All Our God" will be sung often during this week. But not many know the background of the story. Instead of being a triumphalist celebration of gluttony and much more, the origins come from the utter devastation of Central Europe in the Thirty Years' War, were Catholics and Protestant fueled centuries of hatred and distrust which linger today unfortunately.
http://www.hymnary.org/text/now_thank_we_all_our_god Martin Rinkart certainly knew how faith could survive in horrendous times. I wonder what he would have to say now about people who bewail every little thing that doe snot go their way.
I add the original German text, with English translation.
http://cvgs.cu-portland.edu/history/music/lyrics/nun_danket_alle_gott.cfm
Be thankful everyday!
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