Readings about Thanking the Lord for the Harvest
- “The Lord’s Greatest Gift” by Frank S. Rose (ages 4-6)
At harvest time we thank the Lord for the food that He gives to the world. But you can also thank the Lord for the many other things that He does for you. - “Thanksgiving for the Lord’s Harvest” by B. David Holm (ages 7-14)
The Lord gives us spiritual food as well as natural food, planting seeds of truth in our minds whenever we learn true things from the Word. When we take interest in them, the Lord will help us learn how to live the truths we have learn. - “Thanking the Lord” by Lorentz R. Soneson (ages 7-14)
The Lord told Moses that the Israelites should celebrate three feasts each year to celebrate different stages of the harvest. - “Thanksgiving and Rejoicing for the Harvest” by W. Cairns Henderson (ages 18 and up)
When we thank the Lord for the harvest of the earth, consider also the heavenly harvest after a life of spiritual growth. It is the Lord who prepares a place for us in heaven, and patiently leads us to it.
Ideas for Discussion
- There is a long tradition of celebrating the harvest in many cultures. People come together to thank the Lord for the bounty of the earth.
- The Lord provides us with what we need to nourish our spirits as well as our bodies. The Lord’s love and wisdom are the spiritual food which will sustain us to eternity.
- “’Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God’” (Matthew 4:4).
- One of the important ways we can open ourselves up to receive the Lord’s gifts is by acknowledging that they are, indeed, from Him, and not of our own doing. In this frame of mind, the Lord can flow into us and implant those seeds of truth and good that will lead to a heavenly harvest, both in this world and in the life to come
- At Thanksgiving time, some churches invite us to give a fruit offering to the Lord. Giving fruit to the Lord is like bringing to Him what we do best. And we do that to show how much we want to thank Him for the blessings He gives us. These offerings represent the acknowledgment that the Lord is the source of all good things.
- What are some other ways that we can thank the Lord for His many blessings, including the natural and spiritual food He provides to give us life?
- “The eyes of all look expectantly to You, and you give them their food in due season. You open Your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing” (Psalm 145:15-16).
Projects and Activities for All Ages
- Fruit Under Altar with Word Coloring Page
Shows a variety of fruit placed before the Word to acknowledge that the Lord is the source of our natural and spiritual food. - The First Fruits of Our Land We Bring Song
Download the audio of this hymn sung by Paige Austin, accompanied on guitar by Ken Austin. - Thanksgiving Display (ages 4-17)
Collect treasures to display as a centerpiece on your table or near your worship center. - Cornucopia (ages 6-12)
Color the fruits, cut them out, and arrange them so that they are overflowing the cornucopia. - The Feast of Ingathering (ages 7-12)
Color and assemble this panoramic picture of the Children of Israel celebrating the Feast of Ingathering. - O Give Thanks unto the Lord Coloring Page by Robert Glenn
Shows a farmer holding a basket of fruit and vegetables with a lovely border and the words, “O Give Thanks unto the Lord.” - Harvest Wreath (ages 8-14)
Color, cut out, and assemble a wreath of laurel leaves decorated with fruits and flowers in the style of the Renaissance artist, Luca della Robbia. - Seeds Bearing Fruit Wreath or Ribbon Hanging (all ages)
Make a wreath or ribbon hanging with various fruits, adding a piece of fruit each time you use the seeds of truth the Lord has given us. - Blessing for the Harvest (ages 7 and up)
Five blessings to say at mealtime as we thank the Lord for the natural and spiritual food that He gives us. - The Lord’s Fruitful Harvest Prayers (ages 18 and up)
Three prayers looking to the Lord as the creator and sustainer of all life. “We gratefully acknowledge Your providence in the harvest of loving hearts and minds.”
Conclusion
As we celebrate the natural harvest, we can reflect on the Lord’s desire to help us reap the spiritual fruit that will make us part of His kingdom on earth and eventually come into His heavenly kingdom.
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