Here are a few ideas that we found that might help as your family gathers together for the Thanksgiving holiday… and a suggestion to begin preparation for Advent, which starts on Nov. 29.

Giver of all, another day is ended and I take my place beneath my great redeemer's cross, where healing streams continually descend, where balm is poured into every wound, where I wash anew in the all-cleansing blood, assured that Thou seest in me no spots of sin. Yet a little while and I shall go to Thy home and be no more seen; help me to gird up the loins of my mind, to quicken my step, to speed as if each moment were my last, that my life be joy, my death glory.

In 1746, as the title says, Charles Wesley printed a booklet of hymns for a public thanksgiving day. Granted, this is not the American day, which was not formally made a holiday until Abraham Lincoln signed it into law in April 1863. Nevertheless, we hope this selection from Wesley’s booklet will help you have a spirit of thanksgiving this season.