The Pilgrims come ashore on this date in 1620 at "Plimouth," later to be called "Plymouth"

From school days, we have known the story of the Pilgrims who left their British homeland, stayed for a time in Holland, and then sailed to the New World on the Mayflower.

Religious freedom was a major factor for these dissenters, or “Separatists,” who separated from the established Church of England. Their refusal to conform to the official religion brought fines and imprisonment. These Separatists went to Holland because the government there tolerated various religious groups, including other groups from England. But the Separatists had to slip out of England because the authorities tried to stop them from leaving.

Even in Holland, the dissenters attracted trouble. One of their number, William Brewster, wrote books critical of the Church of England and had them smuggled back to England. This aroused the ire of King James I who wanted Dutch authorities to send Brewster home.

Along with continuing religious upheaval, finances were a factor in leaving Holland for America. Jobs were scarce, restricted to low-paying trades and other labor-intensive occupations. Some returned to the prisons of England, considering that a better option than what they faced in Holland.

Arriving at North America in November, they overshot their destination, landing at the Cape Cod area of what would become the Massachusetts Bay Colony. The ship explored the coastal area for several weeks before coming ashore at Plimouth (Plymouth) on this date, December 21, in 1620. This was the second permanent British settlement, following Jamestown, Virginia, in 1607.

All the men (but not the women), Pilgrims and their indentured male servants alike, signed an agreement which set forth a democratic process for electing leaders and making laws. The “Mayflower Compact” was a prototype for American democracy.

Ironically, one-time dissenters who fled England because of religious persecution soon made their own version of Christian faith the official faith in the colonies and began persecuting those who dissented.

The Pilgrims’ first years in the new land were difficult. Approximately half of the 102 Pilgrims died during the first winter, in what they called the “Great Sickness,” possibly as a result of wading through extremely cold water when they first got off the ship. Food was often scarce in the early years. Even as they made friends with the Indians and received help from them, the white settlers endured severe hardships.

Governor William Bradford wrote about one difficult period: "By the time our corn is planted, our victuals are spent, not knowing at night where to have a bite in the morning, and have neither bread nor corn for 3 or 4 months together; yet bear our wants with cheerfulness, and rest on Providence."

As Advent moves on toward Christmas, we may see ourselves as pilgrims on a journey, at times rocky, but always sustained by the hand of Christ whose advent we celebrate.

Verses for Today

“By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to set out for a place that he was to receive as an inheritance; and he set out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he stayed for a time in the land he had been promised, as in a foreign land, living in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the promise. For he looked forward to the city that has foundations whose architect and builder is God” (Hebrews 11:8-10).

Each day through New Year’s Day, January 1, 2013, inspirational thoughts will appear, in keeping with Advent, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.  These are from my book, Reflections for the Festive Seasons.  © 2002.  All rights reserved.