From as far back as I can remember the hymn Come, Ye Thankful People Come was one of my favorites. The hymn was originally a seven verse poem entitled After Harvest composed in 1844 by poet, preacher, painter, musician, biblical scholar, and philologist Henry Alford. In 1858 the words were set to George J. Elveys St Georges Windsor. Over time, the hymn made its way to the United States, where it became popular at Thanksgiving time. In the hymn the term harvest home refers to harvest festivals conducted in England at the end of the farming season and led by the chief reaper of that particular village. To celebrate and offer thanks to the Lord of the harvest (Matthew 9:38), produce from the harvests along with decorations of Autumn, would be brought to churches and placed around the altars. The produce would be distributed to the needy and often taken to hospitals to provide for the sick and poor. (Sounds like a great tradition to get started in our churches here in the States). Today, I am thankful for the Lord of the harvest, Jesus, who is in each of us, growing a crop that he will reap in order to feed the poor and needy of this hungry world. I know that this will sound a bit corny to most, but I can see where the Chief Reaper has been at work in my own life. The same One who gave us the parable of the sower is that same one who provides the good soil in which we are grown. His name is Jesus and I look forward to being forever kept in his garner. :-)
Posted on: Thu, 27 Nov 2014 17:35:42 +0000
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