A Time of Thanksgiving

It is by far one of my favorite times of the year.  I absolutely LOVE Thanksgiving!  Think about it, most of us will be gathered with our close friends and family members as we eat from a huge buffet of turkey, dressing, gravy, green beans, cranberry sauce while watching America’s team, the Dallas Cowboys play the Philadelphia Eagles.  Anytime we get to enjoy the 4 F’s (family, friends, food, and football) it is always great day!

History of Thanksgiving

However; have you ever considered the origin of America’s annual Thanksgiving Day?  The Pilgrims left Plymouth, England, on September 6, 1620. Their destination? The New World. Although filled with uncertainty and peril, it offered both civil and religious liberty. For over two months, the 102 passengers braved the harsh elements of a vast storm-tossed sea. Finally, with firm purpose and a reliance on Divine Providence, the cry of “Land!” was heard.

Arriving in Massachusetts in late November, the Pilgrims sought a suitable landing place. On December 11, just before disembarking at Plymouth Rock, they signed the “Mayflower Compact”—America’s first document of civil government and the first to introduce self-government.

After a prayer service, the Pilgrims began building hasty shelters. However, unprepared for the starvation and sickness of a harsh New England winter, nearly half died before spring. Yet, persevering in prayer, and assisted by helpful Indians, they reaped a bountiful harvest the following summer.

The grateful Pilgrims then declared a three-day feast, starting on December 13, 1621, to thank God and to celebrate with their Indian friends. While this was not the first Thanksgiving in America (thanksgiving services were held in Virginia as early as 1607), it was America’s first Thanksgiving Festival.

Thanksgiving was started as a way to express gratitude and to serve as a reminder of the blessings bestowed upon us.  On an even grander scale, how often do you take the time to truly consider all the ways the Lord has blessed each of His children?

Scripture conveys the following:

• He’s the ultimate promise keeper (Genesis 9:12-17)
• He takes care of our needs (Deuteronomy 8:10)
• His wonderful acts (1 Chronicles 16:8-9)
• His righteousness (Psalm 7:17)
• He’s just plain good (Psalm 107:1)
• For the gift of Jesus (Luke 2:10-11)
• For the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38)
• For the gift of salvation (Ephesians 2:8-9)
• For victory over death (1 Corinthians 15:55-57)
• For Christian friends (Colossians 1:3)

Making It Personal

1. Write about each passage in a journal or notebook. Here are some ideas to help you get started:
   1. How does this passage help you appreciate God more? When has this passage’s promise meant a lot in your life?
   2. What are three questions you have about the passage? Write down your answers, then ask a Christian friend or your youth leader how they would answer. Write down their answers.
   3. Write a poem, a song or a prayer that expresses your feelings about the passage.
   4. Write out your own devotion based on the passage.

We are to be a thankful people.  Paul wrote in 1 Thessalonians 5:18, “Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.  The psalmist penned in Psalm 107:1, “Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!”  James added, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change” (1:17).  We have so much for which to be thankful but far too often many of us do not take the time to meditate on all the ways we have been so richly blessed.

If you spend much time on social media you have probably noticed several of your friends partaking in the challenge to post something daily for which they are grateful.  It is so encouraging to be able to read of the personal reflections made by so many about their faith, family, and daily observations.  Although November is coming to an end, it is not too late to begin spending time counting all the numerous ways your life is so deeply and richly blessed.

As we approach this Thanksgiving; some things we all should remember…

• If we have food in the refrigerator, clothes on our back, a roof overhead and a place to sleep, we are richer than 75% of this world.
• If we have money in the bank, in our wallet, and spare change in a dish somewhere … we are among the top 8% of the world’s wealthy.
• If we woke up this morning with more health than illness … we are more blessed than the million who will not survive this week
• If we have never experienced the danger of battle, the loneliness of imprisonment, the agony of torture, or the pangs of starvation… we are ahead of 500 million people in the world.
• If we can attend a church meeting without fear of harassment, arrest, torture, or death … we are more blessed than three billion people in the world.
• If our parents are still alive and still married … we are very rare, even in the United States.
• If we hold up our head with a smile on our face and are truly thankful … we are blessed because the majority can, but most do not.
• If we can hold someone’s hand, hug them or even touch them on the shoulder … we are blessed because we can offer healing touch.

Let us count our blessings … and, Happy Thanksgiving!