Among food and football festivities, the celebration of Thanksgiving calls us to gratefulness. In the tradition of our forbears, many poems, prayers and reflections have been written to help folks express appreciation for all the good things that life offers.
Over the centuries, many thoughts of gratitude have been put to music. Folks gathering in thanksgiving commonly sing about the goodness of nature and the enjoyment of companionship. Popular themes include celestial and earthly wonders, family and friends.
“Come, Ye Thankful People, Come” was written by Henry Alford during 1844 in England. The song, which was composed for a harvest festival in England, became popular in the United States for Thanksgiving.
Although it has had many alterations over the years, the first verse of the song begins as an expression of thanksgiving for the harvest that feeds the community through the winter. Following verses change to a salvation theme. According to the song, the world’s people are the heavenly harvest that has been planted by God.
“For the Beauty of the Earth” also comes from England. It was written in 1864, far away from the horrors of the United States Civil War. Folliott S. Pierpoint wrote this song because he was mesmerized by the beauty around him in Bath, England.
Originally written for Christian worship, Pierpoint’s hymn has had several adaptations over time. The song begins with thanksgiving. “For the beauty of the earth, / For the glory of the skies.”
Pierpont includes hills, trees, flowers, sun, moon and stars. The joy of human love includes family and friends, both living and deceased.
The words of “For the Beauty of the Earth” offer a comprehensive reflection for Thanksgiving. While the lyrics were originally written decidedly for worship of Christ, variations that are more all-encompassing have been developed.
The poem “All Things Bright and Beautiful” became the theme of books and even a television show. Also set to music, the 19th-century poem captures the ideas that in wisdom all things small and great were made. The theme recalls ideas from Psalm 104: 24-25.
The poet Cecil Frances Alexander was an Irish woman married to an Anglican bishop. She wrote simple poems to teach children precepts of faith. Many of her poems were set to music.
“Canticle of the Sun” is a well-known poem written by Francis of Assisi, a lover of nature and animals. He did not let bouts of blindness discourage him from rejoicing in God’s creation. In 1226, Francis penned the words with the now-popular concepts “brother sun” and “sister moon.”
Eventually, William Draper translated Francis’s poem into English in the early twentieth century. With adjustments for lyrics and accompanying music, it became the hymn “All Creatures of Our God and King.”
Unlike many gospel songs, the ever-popular “Count Your Blessings” does not enumerate things for which we should be thankful. Instead, the lyrics encourage us to create our own lists of gratitude. Johnson Oatman Jr. advises in this well-known tune, “Count your blessings; name them one by one.”
The song’s guidance is pertinent for even non-religious folks. Anyone, regardless of spiritual beliefs, can benefit from Oatman’s time-honored advice.
Lyrics for songs mentioned here can be found by searching on the internet. Listening to recorded renditions can be enjoyed as well from sources such as YouTube.
On Thanksgiving Day, those so inclined might spend some time in reflection. Regardless of anyone’s personal faith practices, old hymns are a wonderful source to inspire a spirit of gratefulness.
Have a happy Thanksgiving! Enjoy nourishing foods, family, friendships and possibly football. Pause at least a moment for grateful reflection.
(Janet Miller is a freelance writer specializing in family faith. She offers Family Prayers and Activities: Weekly Guides on compact disc for families to explore the Bible together. Email jmiller@dospalos.org.)
