Two of our readings this morning are specifically about Thanksgiving, so it is definitely time to give some real thought to what ought to be central to our practice of religion, but all too often isn’t. I must begin by saying that it isn’t easy! We look at all the horrors of the world we live in: Gaza, the Ukraine, Ethiopia, Myanmar, and it’s difficult, really difficult to feel thankful. We face the appalling fact of climate change and the potential destruction of our planet, and it becomes even more difficult to feel thankful. We must however not give way to the temptation of thinking that Isaiah, or Mary had it any easier than we do. Life has always been difficult for those living it.

The Ancient Near East was no less fraught with tensions and warmongering than is the Middle East today. The state of Judah was under constant threat from larger powers, culminating in the destruction of Jerusalem and the exile of all its leading citizens to Babylonia. It is not exactly known when The Book of Isaiah was written, but it is certain that these latter chapters were written after the return from exile, when the returning Israelites found that not much had been done to restore their country to its former glory. So Isaiah is reminding his countryfolk of their God, giving thanks for all he has done and will in future do for them.

After Gabriel’s visit to her in Nazareth, Mary cannot have had an easy time of it at first. Normally, sadly, there is only one explanation when a young unmarried girl is found to be pregnant. Who could believe her unlikely story: that she was with child by the Holy Ghost? It all really depended on Joseph; if he broke off their engagement it would be a tragedy, for no other young man would want her, would want to be the father of another man’s child.  Mercifully the truth was vouchsafed to him in a dream. Mary’s story was true: the child within her was of the Holy Ghost  and he need not fear to take her as his wife.

Then the story must have  begun to circulate among members of Mary’s family, reaching even as far as their relatives in the hill country of Judah.  So when Mary decided to pay a surprise visit to Elizabeth, she was greeted not with the fuss and suspicion which she had met with in Nazareth, but with a rapturous welcome and recognition of her position as the Mother of God. Mary’s response is enshrined in the Magnificat, that great song of thanksgiving both for God’s goodness to her as an individual woman and for his goodness to his people Israel, in fulfilment of his promises to Abraham and their forefathers.

What have we to learn from these two great world-historical figures? It seems almost impertinent to say it, but we must take from their examples the importance of speaking one’s thanks. We don’t have to go on at length; I find often that a short “Thanks God!” is enough especially if my attention is required elsewhere! You have all I believe lived in Edinburgh for far longer than I have, so perhaps you have got used to the spectacular beauty of the view when you come over the top of Drumbrae to see the Firth of Forth and the kingdom of Fife in the distance. I still need to say thank you.

And in the other direction are the Pentland Hills and the Scottish Borders. Should we not be thankful that we are surrounded by such beauty – and say so?! 

That’s the clue! We are all here given so much – not least the freedom just to be here and to worship God among friends. We have the joy of word and music – and coffee to follow! But how often do we give expression to our thanks to our friends and families and beyond them to the Giver of all things? 

Let’s resolve to try and do better in future!