This idea was originally posted in our 2020 Covid Thanksgiving suggestions when schools and churches were closed.
It's called "The Year of the Empty Chair" and is based on an old tradition of "setting a place at the table" for someone who can't be with you (for any number of reasons). In some celebrations, this "empty chair" can represent God's place at your table, or those you miss because they have passed, or those you wish could be with you.
Who are we grateful for having been in our lives and who we wish were with us to share this Thanksgiving.
Recall that in the tradition of the Passover Seder meal an empty chair and place setting is made for the Prophet Elijah. His chair symbolized the hope that Elijah would come in the year ahead as the promised forerunner of the Messiah.
During the meal, take a moment to talk about what the empty chair means to you, those you want to hold up in prayer to God, and offer a prayer.
