©Joy Dunlap https://joydunlap.com
Thanksgiving tables and fall displays often feature a cornucopia with fruits and vegetables pouring out of a horn-shaped basket or container.
Some call it a “horn of plenty.’’ The term cornucopia actually comes from two Latin words meaning “horn’” and “abundance.”
The recognizable symbol shows up in art and literature, and even in the state seal of North Carolina which depicts two female figures (Liberty and Plenty) with a backdrop of mountains, the ocean and lush green grass. In her right hand, Plenty holds three heads of grain while her left hand holds the narrow end of the cornucopia with the bounty pouring out at her feet.
Interestingly, the Bible instructs people settling in the Promised Land to fill a basket of bounty. And, the instruction issues a reminder of the gift-giver and emphasizes the importance of thanking God for it. Deuteronomy 26:1-2 says, “When you have entered the land the Lord your God is giving you as an inheritance and have taken possession of it and settled in it, take some of the firstfruits of all that you produce from the soil of the land the Lord your God is giving you and put them in a basket. Then go to the place the Lord your God will choose as a dwelling for his Name.”
A brightly colored painting of a giant cornucopia overflowing with a variety of vegetables positioned near a waterway caught my attention during a recent museum trip. While that art isn’t Christian in context, it caused me to focus in on the concept of the cornucopia and its proximity to water. Because without water, we can’t fully enjoy the life-sustaining bounty from God’s creation, and Jesus is the “Living Water.”
Sound the Trumpet and Listen for the Call
And, have you ever thought about the fact that the cornucopia is horn-shaped, and the “trumpet” often mentioned in the Bible (a shofar) was often crafted from a ram’s horn? (A few instances of the term trumpet in the Bible do involve silver instruments). In Biblical times, trumpets were used as calls to unite, to gather, to go to war, or as a call for celebration, remembrance, and worship.
“Also at your times of rejoicing—your appointed festivals and New Moon feasts—you are to sound the trumpets over your burnt offerings and fellowship offerings, and they will be a memorial for you before your God. I am the Lord your God.” Numbers 10:10
So, when you look at a cornucopia on your Thanksgiving table, or in a store’s display this season, its horn full of flowers or overflowing with an abundance of fruits and vegetables, consider it as a “horn” calling, reminding, uniting.
Are we hearing the call to love more? To be more faithful? To exalt God in our lives?
As we gather with family and friends, are we heeding the call to remember the Giver of the good and perfect gifts?
Are we praising and thanking God, not in a perfunctory way just so we can quickly dive into that special sweet potato casserole, creamy mashed potatoes, and cherry or apple pie? Or is our gratitude to God overflowing like the produce falling out of the cornucopia?
Thanksgiving is a time to celebrate, to rejoice in what we’ve been given – not only in tangible things, but also in the abundance of spiritual blessings we have because of God.
I will recount the steadfast love of the Lord, the praises of the Lord, according to all that the Lord has granted us, and the great goodness to the house of Israel that he has granted them according to his compassion, according to the abundance of his steadfast love. Isaiah 63:7 ESV
This Thanksgiving, consider the cornucopia as a call to praise God.
We may think we have much to be thankful for, but do others know who we credit? Does God know it and do we show it?
Unfortunately many don’t know or acknowledge the Who to be thankful to.
Share the Sweet Potatoes – and the Praise
Much as we often tell everyone what we’ve been doing lately, why don’t we ask everyone at our table to share what God has been doing in their lives lately? Or encourage everyone to offer a sentence prayer of gratitude to the Lord?
What if everyone were invited to share a specific way God has touched their heart or changed their life this past year?
Of course, our praise doesn’t have to be limited to the past year. Remembering the faithfulness of God in the past can remind us of God’s power and His purposes for the future.
I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds. I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing the praises of your name, O Most High. Psalm 9:1-2
Think now of other ways you can add praise to the Lord at your Thanksgiving gathering.
As much merriment that will be at tables this Thanksgiving, we know that every table – and every heart – across America isn’t full this Thanksgiving. Call out to God for them in prayer – and reach out to those you know who may be lonely; those grieving the passing of a loved one, or those who are spiritually lost without the peace and joy found in Christ. A heartfelt text, email, call or card can be a lifeline of love.
The Life-Sustaining Bounty that Keeps Pouring Into Us
On a tour in that same American Museum of Art in DC where I spotted the cornucopia painting, I stopped to contemplate a 1947 Andrew Wyeth painting titled “Dodge’s Ridge”. Depicting a handmade cross with tattered and torn fabric remnants, the painting is captivating in its starkness and its portrayal of motion. And, for believers, the cross is powerful in the promise it signifies.
Through Christ’s sacrifice and resurrection, we can experience the bounty of grace, and the promise of abundant life on earth and eternal life in heaven.
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you. 1 Peter 1:3-4
That alone is worthy of our thanks-giving!
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. Ephesians 1:3
- What favorite fall or Thanksgiving keepsakes adorn your table or house this season?
- When you think about God’s gifts to you, what comes to mind? Why not make a list?
- How do you praise God; how do you show and share your thanks?
- What has God given you this year that has impacted your life significantly?
- Who (outside of your family) can you show God’s love to this Thanksgiving season that lets them know they are valued?
I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory. Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands. I will be fully satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you. Psalm 63:2-5
Remember…
Life is Better When It’s Full – Joy-full, Thank-full, Purpose-full and Friend-full! ™
*Unless otherwise noted, Scripture references are from New International Version (NIV)