November is a time for being thankful. The story behind one of the most well-known and joyful hymns ever written on the subject of thankfulness is “Come, Ye Thankful People, Come'' is an inspirational one.
“I do this day in the presence of God, and my own soul renew my covenant with God and solemnly determine henceforth to become his and to do his work as far as in me lies.”
These astounding words of determination came from a lad only 16 years of age, in England, in 1826. His name was Henry Alford. He came from a long line of clergymen.
His father, his grandfather and his great-grandfather were all ministers of the Church of England before him. He, too, became an Anglican vicar.
Henry Alford was born in London in 1810 and was reared in that great city. His first charge, after graduation from Trinity College, Cambridge, was in Wymeswold, Leicestershire. His gentle disposition, cheerful attitude and sheer genius catapulted him to fame and high honor.
He reached the top of his profession in 1857 when he became the Dean of Canterbury Cathedral.
He was a versatile man: an artist, an organist and singer, composer of verses and a very talented speaker. His literary ability was climaxed with the completion of The Greek Testament, a commentary of four volumes, which required 20 years of hard labor.
It is reported that he loved to mingle with the common man. He never seemed to lose his vision of the pit from which he, too, had been lifted. He was thankful.
In the fall of 1844, while he was at Wymeswold, his first charge, the people of this hamlet decided to have a festival, rejoicing in the abundant harvest already gathered into their barns.
For this particular occasion Alford wrote a song which has been sung, perhaps millions of times during Thanksgiving celebrations.
“Come, ye thankful people, come,
Raise the song of harvest-home.
All is safely gathered in,
Ere the winter storms begin;
God, our Maker, doth provide
For our wants to be supplied:
Come to God’s own temple, come,
Raise the song of harvest-home.”
After you sing this inspiring song, rededicate yourself to a life of thankfulness. Learn to see and appreciate the little things that we so often overlook. Try this: Talk to God for 15 minutes, thanking him, and refraining from asking anything for yourself.
“Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Ephesians 5:21