A Thanksgiving Story

When we started talking about a thanksgiving story in the bible, I found a few psalms and of course the Gospel lesson of the 10 lepers.  Having just done that recently, Pastor challenged me to dig a bit deeper and find a story less familiar that we could still make "Kid-Friendly."  Below is my attempt at doing that (and keeping it short and gore-less.  Chronicles may talk about Thanksgiving, but it was a bit tricky to take out all of the killing...) Let me know what you think :D  

Thanksgiving Eve Service

2 Chronicles 20—Learning to give thanks together

Narrator:  A long long time ago, there was a King in Judah named Jehosephat! One day, he learned that two of his neighboring countries were coming to fight with him.  He was surrounded and scared—and so the people of his country came together to talk with the King.  Jehosephat stood and spoke to the people and to God:

Jehosephat: Lord God in Heaven, you have watched over us for many, many, many years.  You brought our people into this land, and we built this temple for you, saying that no matter what, we would praise you.  We stand here now to say that we are overwhelmed and scared, but we stand here now watching you and knowing you will care for us.  Everyone say “We will praise you”

Narrator:  a prophet came and said to them,

Prophet: Listen!  This is what the Lord says to you—do not be afraid or discouraged because these people are coming to fight.  This battle is the Lord’s, not yours!  You will not have to fight, but go to this place, stand firm and watch as the Lord will come to help you.  Do not be afraid and do not be discouraged—go and see that God is with you.

Narrator:  Early in the morning, they left for the desert where they were to meet the neighbor’s armies.  Jehosephat addressed his people:

Jehosephat: Listen to me—have faith in the Lord, and he will uphold you.  Everyone, as we go into battle, let us sing the goodness of the Lord.  Repeat after me:

Give Thanks to the Lord our God

His love endures forever! (3X)

Narrator: as the people continued to sing thanks to God, a miracle happened.  Smaller groups of fighters from other countries snuck up on the armies coming to fight Jehosephat and his people. There was confusion in the fighting and soon, as Jehosephat and his people watched, their neighbors destroyed each other but left Jehosephat and his people alone.  They were safe!  They didn’t have to fight at all.  Hooray! Jehosephat and his people collected the treasures left behind by the armies, and then returned to the land of Judah, celebrating the goodness of God!

What about you?  What are some things you can give thanks for today?  Maybe you haven’t faced an army and come away without a scratch, but can you see the love of the Lord in your everyday life?