Thanksgiving in America has its origins in the early 17th century when English Pilgrims seeking religious freedom arrived on the Mayflower in 1620. They faced a harsh winter, but with the help of Native Americans, particularly the Wampanoag tribe, they learned to cultivate crops and adapt to the new land. In 1621, the Pilgrims and Wampanoag celebrated a successful harvest with a three-day feast, which is often considered the first Thanksgiving. Over time, Thanksgiving became a sporadic tradition celebrated by various colonies and states. 1863, during the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed Thanksgiving a national holiday, aiming to promote unity and gratitude.
Today, Thanksgiving is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November. It’s marked by gatherings with family and friends, feasting on turkey, although ham is growing in popularity, and expressing gratitude for the year’s blessings. It’s evolved into a holiday with parades, football games, and Black Friday shopping.
Thanksgiving is important in Christianity because it encourages believers to express gratitude to God for His blessings and provision. Giving thanks reflects a key aspect of our faith to acknowledge God’s goodness and providence in our lives. An essential part of our small and large gatherings is counting our blessings and offering thanks for the gifts and grace we’ve received from the Lord.
One key teaching from Scripture on thanksgiving can be found in 1 Thessalonians 5:18, which states, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” This verse emphasizes the importance of being grateful in every situation, recognizing that thanksgiving is a fundamental part of God’s plan for believers. Paul is calling believers to nurture their inner spiritual life. When complaining replaces thankfulness, the abundant life Christ came to give us decreases.
Believers can be thankful in all circumstances by doing several things. For one, followers of Christ must learn to trust that God is in control and working despite all that’s wrong in the world. When faced with challenges and hardships, it’s possible to receive them as an opportunity for personal growth, learning, and spiritual development. In our prayers, we need to thank God for His presence and seek His guidance and strength to navigate difficult circumstances. As we walk in step with the Spirit, we ask Him to help us cultivate contentment with what we have, understanding that true joy doesn’t come from material possessions but from a relationship with God. The Lord calls us to lean on our church family for encouragement, prayer, and support during challenging times. It’s also helpful to reflect on previous times when God has provided and been faithful, reminding ourselves of His goodness. Lastly, I would share that we must accept that there are things beyond our control and surrender them to God’s will, trusting that He knows what’s best.
By integrating these practices into our lives, we believers can maintain an attitude of thankfulness in all circumstances, recognizing that God’s love and guidance are constant, even amid difficulties. So, as you sit around the table this Thanksgiving, take some time to express your gratitude to God. After all, when we consider all the Lord has done, is doing, and is still to do, we have so much for which to be thankful. Soli Deo Gloria (Glory to God Alone)!