Hello from America’s Hometown! Eileen, Josh, and I are here in Plymouth, Massachusetts, overlooking the historic harbor and Plymouth Rock. We’re visiting our extended family for the holiday, and we send you our warmest Thanksgiving greetings.
We ought to savor the moment, and the privilege of giving thanks. I’ll share with you here just a few sweet sounds from Thomas Newman’s hymn (less than 30 seconds in fact) from a 2019 movie adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s famous novel, and I urge you to pause and to ponder: https://youtu.be/D97KTfosj7E
We have much for which to be thankful. Not only the blessings of family and friends come to mind today, but also the specific freedoms which we enjoy because of the vision launched in large measure right where we stand. Those brave and faithful Pilgrims pursued a passionate dream to establish a home where God could be worshiped according to the dictates of one’s conscience, and you and I continue to inherit the blessings of such cherished liberties. May the Lord protect and preserve such a costly inheritance.
And, far beyond that, you and I are rich indeed (Ephesians 2:7). In Christ we have received so much more than we can possibly imagine. Jesus, by His own blood, has purchased our redemption and secured for us an inheritance far exceeding even our greatest earthly blessings here and now. Our debt is paid! Our spirits have been made alive forever! Our future is glorious and already titled in our name! The whole package was validated by an empty tomb, and that’s about as certain as certain can be.
As we give thanks this season, we pray for the spirit of humble gratitude which marked those steadfast Pilgrims to also mark each one of us. Stirred by an unshakable faith in Christ, those determined men and women had to prepare seven times more graves than houses … but they made time for a day of THANKS. So should we. The priceless privilege is ours.
After all, the simple fact that we’re traveling the road to heaven makes us pilgrims, one and all.
Pastor Charles
So thankful you are able to be with extended family. We pray often for you and your ministry. We count it a gift to have had you as our pastor the beginning of your ministry.
We send our love to you , Eileen and Josh.
In His Love and Joy,
Jeff and June
PS send us your new address please !