Give Thanks

 We celebrate Thanksgiving Day in America as a time of warm gatherings and eating with our family and friends.  Traditionally, turkey is served with all the fixings and favorite family recipes.  It is my favorite holiday, not because of the food and fellowship, but because it is a day set aside to give thanks to God.  This is the true meaning of the holiday we call Thanksgiving Day.

Although President Lincoln declared Thanksgiving a national holiday in 1863, the First Thanksgiving was declared by Governor Bradford, the first government official elected on American soil.  Even though it was not called Thanksgiving in 1621, a bountiful harvest was  taken and in a letter to a friend in England, Edward Winslow wrote the following, “Our harvest being gotten in, our Governor sent four men on fowling, that so we might after a more special manner rejoice together, after we had gathered the fruit of our labours.  They four in one day killed as much fowl as, with a little help beside, served the Company almost a week.  At which Indians coming amongst us, and amongst the rest their greatest king, Massasoit with some 90 men, who for three days we entertained and feasted.  And they went out and killed five deer which they brought to the palntation and bestowed on our Governor and upon the Captain and others. by William Bradford  (Author) Bradford: Of Plymouth Plantation.  This historical event is why, no doubt,  we traditionally eat lots of food on Thanksgiving Day.

Two years later, the Pilgrims held what was actually called Thanksgiving in 1623, which was a day of fasting, prayer, and praise to God for His provision, blessing, and care over them.  This is where the phrase, “Give thanks” has its origin.  Unfortunately, many do not realize it was to God that we are to give thanks to.

This year, as you celebrate the blessing of Thanksgiving Day with those you love, please remember to give thanks to the Lord from whom all blessings flow, as Governor Bradford wrote,  (Bradford: Of Plymouth Plantation), “Thus out of small beginnings greater things have been produced by His hand that made all things of nothing, and gives being to all things that are; and, as one small candle may light a thousand, so the light here kindled hath shone unto many, yea in some sort to our whole nation; let the glorious name of Jehovah have all the praise.“

May you have a blessed Thanksgiving Day!