As a child I always thought it a bit silly to have food pouring out of a horn-shaped basket. Recently I learned the horn-shaped cornucopia originated in the sixteenth century. The Latin words cornu copiae mean horn of plenty. It was a mythical horn that they believed would provide all their needs. Now the symbolism makes sense.
The cornucopia represents plentifulness, abundance. We usually see it used as a banquet centerpiece stuffed with fruit plus a small pumpkin and maybe an ear or two of multicolored corn. The overflow of food at the Thanksgiving feast is representative of the overflow of the harvest pouring out and around the cornucopia.
We love the feeling of plenty that the cornucopia symbolizes. As we draw near to the Thanksgiving holiday and the accompanying profusion of food, many of us try to focus on being thankful for our blessings. On Facebook it is not uncommon for people to post not only serious but also humorous blessings. Some make daily posts stating why they are thankful. What a relief it is to see grumbling and dissatisfaction replaced with thankfulness!
Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 ESV
So just as the cornucopia is an icon for plentiful physical blessings, may our prayer lives be full of expressing thankfulness to God for the abundance of his spiritual blessings. For what are you going to give thanks to God today?
Lord, you have blessed us with food, homes, and families. For these things, we are grateful. More importantly, you have blessed us with many spiritual gifts. Thank you. Amen.