“Among those [special] occasions generally observed were the Fast Days and the Days of Thanksgiving. The Governor of the Province would, by special proclamation designate a day when the people were to assemble in their places of worship, either to lament the evils which had befallen them, or to render thanks for their blessings. The usual form of serviced was followed, but the sermon was most often of a political nature. Thanksgiving Day usually came in November. The Fast Days were more numerous for the reason that times of danger were more numerous than times of special blessing.” 

From Reverend Ashby’s History of The First Parish Church p.56-57

Fast Days continued to be observed at our church, according to Ashby’s history, right up to January 4, 1861, when 160 persons were present when Dr. Adams preached with care because “his congregation was much divided on the burning issues of the day.” 

About 607 BC the very darkest days of Judah occurred when Nebuchadnezzar besieged Jerusalem, took the land and took the captured leaders of Israel to Babylon. But it was through the faithfulness of those captives like Daniel, Shadrach, Meshack, Abednego that God’s people persevered until the time when King Cyrus released the captives, and they returned to their land and rebuilt Jerusalem.

Three Sundays ago, our pastor closed his message with these thoughts: “No election’s result will be our doom. No election's result will be our salvation. We do all things in the context of God’s love. From generation to generation that love goes on. We need to continue to be Christ’s followers in moments like this."

Thoughts for current Fasting Days and this Thanksgiving Day.