The Time of Thanksgiving Arrives

Thanksgiving Day, a national holiday in the U.S., is an expression of civil religion.

In a nation where no particular religion is established, it fits all and sundry.

In his Thanksgiving Proclamation of 1863, President Abraham Lincoln, himself a rather unorthodox Christian, said that "no human counsel has devised nor any mortal hand worked out the great purposes of thanksgiving. These gifts are the gracious gift of the most high God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, has nevertheless remembered mercy."

Earlier in the New England colonies from 1621 on, days of thanksgiving were set aside in the autumn to express to God gratitude for the harvest.

Perhaps Thanksgiving Day offers to American citizens the opportunity to give expression to the "In God We Trust" imprinted on our coins, a sense that raises this holiday above merely patriotic or materialistic celebrations.

To be thankful. That's one thing. To give thanks actually, that's another thing.  The day we approach is Thanks Giving. Residents of Los Gatos have an opportunity to do just that in an interfaith service at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 22 at The Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-day Saints, 15985 Rose Ave.

The service is sponsored by the Los Gatos Interfaith Clergy Association. The Rev. Jennifer Murdock, pastor of Los Gatos United Methodist Church, will deliver the Thanksgiving message.

Offerings will include canned food for Second Harvest Food Bank and cash donations for Habitat for Humanity Interfaith Build in Cupertino.

A welcome is extended to one and all.