FROM THE EDITORS November 21, 2005 Issue

THE PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING IN ADVANCE PROPELS US FORWARD. IT LEADS OUR THOUGHTS UP TO GOD, EVEN AS IT SHINES ITS BLESSING OUT TO THOSE AROUND US.

THANKSGIVING — IN ADVANCE

WHEN JESUS STOOD AT THE TOMB of his friend Lazarus, who had been dead for the better part of a week, the circumstances were anything but uplifting. The family was in despair. Jesus himself wept. The situation seemed hopeless. Yet what was about to happen there was all about glory and triumph and life. That dismal scene was on the verge of transformation into one of inestimable joy. And thanking God was to be the catalyst.

Standing at the tomb, Jesus began his prayer: "Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me. And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me" (John 11:41, 42). And in a short time, his prayer brought Lazarus back to life.

This week, the United States will celebrate its annual day of thanksgiving. At least seven other countries worldwide — Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Japan, Korea, Liberia, and Switzerland — have similar official holidays. But looking out on the landscape of personal or world events, some people might ask in all sincerity, "Is there anything to be thankful for?" After all, 2005 has seen its share of turbulence, marked by natural disasters, epidemics and threats of new ones, economic upheaval, and war. Sometimes disbelief causes us to doubt that life, hope, healing, really can occur. And giving thanks — well, that might seem to smack of naivete, or even foolishness.

Send a comment to the editors

This is the end of the issue. Ready to explore further?

Online features Audio