Do you like candy corn? I think I
do. I mean I have eaten my weight in it over my lifetime, but in the pantheon
of sweets, it isn’t one I crave. It holds a special place in my heart, though,
because of a tradition that I first experienced during a Thanksgiving dinner
with my family in Cordele. My aunt would place five pieces of candy corn at
every place setting, and before we had our blessing, she would recount the
story of the first Thanksgiving and offer a symbolic meaning to the candies.
That story goes something like this:
During
the Pilgrims’ first winter in America, they faced horrible famine. Food was so
scarce that most days the Pilgrims only had a daily ration of five kernels
of corn apiece. How did they survive this hardship? By giving in to
bitterness and despair? No. The Pilgrims chose to trust in the LORD, regardless of their
circumstances. They chose to thank GOD
for His provision, no matter the size. Those five kernels of corn were a blessing,
and it is the blessing of Thanksgiving – from that first one to this one – that
we celebrate together in light of our faith in GOD’s goodness and provision.
This
Thanksgiving, consider placing five kernels of corn (whether you use candy
corn, regular corn, popcorn, etc.) at each place setting. Then spend a few
minutes before the meal going around the table and having everyone share five
things for which they are thankful. As you do this, here is a guide to remind
you of those five kernels of corn and the thanksgiving we give to GOD for His
abundant provision, even when things seem lean.
1 1. The first kernel reminds us that GOD loves us.
- The
second kernel reminds us that GOD provides for all our needs.
- The
third kernel reminds us of the friends GOD has given us — just as the Native
Americans were friends to the Pilgrims.
- The
fourth kernel reminds us of all the people GOD has given us who love us.
- And the
fifth kernel reminds us that GOD hears our prayers and answers us.
May it be a blessed Thanksgiving
for you and your family! And know that in all ways and all things, GOD is good
and His love endures forever!
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is
good; His love endures forever!
(Psalm 107.1)
Happy Thanksgiving!
Pastor Mark
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