Oklahoma's Choice Weekly Thanksgiving Special 2022

As we enter our third Thanksgiving, we’re always reminded of why we started this publication in the first place. Why, despite COVID and the obstacles faced by print publications all over the country, we have persevered. Mostly, we remember who we started this paper for, and that’s our Oklahoma farmer, rancher and rural communities. It started so we could serve small businesses that can’t afford to spend a great deal on advertising but want to share their business with the general public. It’s for the Mom and Pop and local stores that work hard and keep their dreams and dollars in Oklahoma. It’s for all of these people that we say Thank You and that we remember how much we have to be thankful for.

We’re well aware of the issues facing us as we approach 2023. The remnants of COVID, a continuing drought, low crop yields and inflation. Despite all this, we’re optimistic about the future because we have faith in those who make Oklahoma what it is. Our agricultural producers and small businesses give us hope for 2023 and reminds us why we celebrate Thanksgiving.

From all of us at Oklahoma’s Choice Weekly, Happy Thanksgiving. Our hope is for good health throughout the holiday season and prosperity throughout 2023. We will be here to serve you and give thanks for all we have.

Gary Goldberg – Sales Director

Jeff Nieman – Southern Territory Manager

Jon McQuillen – Central Territory Manager

Anesa K. Chastain Jones – Graphics Manager

Sue McQuillen – General Manager

Wendi Stultz– Classified Manager

Misty Crouse– Distribution Manager

Kenny Edwards - Distribution

Cyd Goldberg - Distribution

Jake Ford - Distribution

Janet Cheek - Distribution

Keith with Compass Delivery - Distribution

WE GATHER TOGETHER TO ASK THE LORD'S BLESSING

1 We gather together to ask the Lord’s blessing; He chastens and hastens his will to make known; The wicked oppressing now cease from distressing. Sing praises to his name; he forgets not his own.

2 Beside us to guide us, our God with us joining, Ordaining, maintaining his kingdom divine; So from the beginning the fight we were winning; Thou, Lord, wast at our side; all glory be thine!

3 We all do extol thee, thou leader triumphant, And pray that thou still our defender wilt be. Let thy congregation escape tribulation; Thy name be ever praised! O Lord, make us free!

Author: Anonymous (1625)

The original Dutch text of this hymn, “Wilt heden nu treden,” was first published in 1626 by Adrian Valerius in his Nederlandtsch Gedenckclanck, though it may have been written earlier, in the late 16th century. The author is unknown. This text was written in celebration of the freedom of the Nether lands from Spanish rule. Theodore Baker, an American music scholar, trans lated the text into English in 1894 for an anthem titled “Prayer of Thanksgiv ing.”

When this hymn was first published in America, the idea of the United States' Manifest Destiny to overtake the American continent in God's name was still popular. The militant language and patriotic association can lend a sense of nationalism to the song that is inappropriate for a worship service. It may take some care to put this text in an appropriate context for worship. How ever, there are several phrases that may bring certain Scripture passages to mind (e.g., “the wicked oppressing,” Ps. 55:3;). When the hymn is put in this context, the message is clearly about the Church seeking God's help and thanking Him for His presence in the pursuit of victory over evil.

This hymn is traditionally associated with Thanksgiving Day in the United States.

https://hymnary.org/text/we_gather_together_to_ask_the_lords

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