A DAY OF THANKSGIVING

In 1621, the Plymouth colonist and Wampanoag Indians shared an autumn harvest feast that is acknowledged today as one of the first Thanksgiving celebrations in the colonies.  For more than two centuries, days of Thanksgiving were celebrated by individual colonies and states.  It wasn’t until 1863, in the midst of the Civil War, that President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national Thanksgiving Day to be held each November. (Excerpt taken from www.history.com)

On November 28, 2013, dinner tables, sideboards and countertops all across the nation will display a picturesque offering of turkey, ham, cornbread dressing, green beans, candied yams, corn soufflé, macaroni and cheese, pumpkin pie, pound cake, peach cobbler, and a plethora of other mouth watering dishes and desserts.  And just before plates are piled high with the bounteous offerings, a proclamation of “Thanksgiving” will be made.

As with customs of times past, the Thanksgiving meal will begin in the average home with an expression of “ I’m thankful for …”  At the same time there is an above average number of homes that will begin their Thanksgiving meal, with “ Heavenly Father, we thank you for …”  No matter how the expression begins, there will be the mention of family coming together, the opportunity to see loved ones once more, having life, health and strength; along with the reference toward our possession of cars, homes, jobs, businesses, accomplishments and companions that has been categorized as a “blessing”.  Next will come the expression that we are "thankful" because some persons are not as fortunate as we are.   Shortly after a creative musical will begin, as the sound of forks and knives tap the porcelain plates, coupled with a background chorus line of chatter.  As the musical composition is playing, the sound track of “Thanksgiving” will end and be enclosed in its CD case of (Common Disregard) until the next Thanksgiving Day.

Although unexpected, the narrative most accurately depicts the events and thought patterns of many families.  The heightened sense of  “Thanksgiving” is reduced to a customary pronouncement based on tradition.  “Well at least they gave thanks,”someone is saying at this very moment.  Yes, that is true.  However, did it produce a change in the heart or mind of the person giving thanks or the listeners?  This could be because; there isn’t a clear understanding of “THANKSGIVING” in its full capacity.

In the beginning paragraph, we were told of the origin of  “Thanksgiving.”  Yet we missed its foundational core.  History has revealed that the colonist, were in a state of unfamiliarity with the farming process and their gaming skills.  In essence they were in a troubled state of "helplessness".  The Indians began to take the time to teach them their methods of farming and gaming, which led to the successful outcome of “self-sufficiency” for the colonist.  In addition to this new found cooperation, both the colonist and indians, shared also in the belief of a Deity that reign superior over all things.  Obviously, their process may have been different in the way each group worshipped, yet the mental resolve to worship the source of power was shared.  Thus resulting in a feast, as an outward display of their Thanksgiving unto their God for providing help and provision.   Also, we see that it is during “war time” that President Lincoln, instituted the national observance of Thanksgiving Day.  President Lincoln’s motive was to undoubtedly lift moral within the country during those troubled times. Thus his knowledge of the scriptures, and the understanding of God as being the “Supreme Being”, ignited the thought of having the nation as a whole come together and give thanks for the spiritual blessings he has provided.

Because of the modernization of many of the traditions of old, we have somehow lost the foundational spirit, meaning and principles behind them.   Thus becoming unconscious of the original source, in which our expression was directed toward initially.  

THANKSGIVING (n) – expressing gratitude; a public acknowledge or celebration of God’s goodness.

So as we shop for the fixings for our meals, gather together our best linen and good china, or prepare to travel to our designated places for this Thanksgiving holiday, lets take a moment to think on our THANKSGIVING we can give to God. 

Let us give THANKS to God, for keeping our families safe during these times of social and economic trouble.  Thanking him for his hand of protection that was over our family.  Even when trouble presented itself, it didn’t cause irreparable calamity.  Thanking him for his merciful eye, that when he witnessed our transgressions, he didn’t recompense evil for evil.  Instead he gave us an opportunity to accept his invitation of reconciliation back unto his fold. Thanking him for having the knowledge through personal experience of just how GOOD he has been to us.  Thanking him for giving us the opportunity to provide our family members with more than just a life sustaining meal, but access to Eternal Life.    

Giving our family, friends, and loved ones an opportunity to hear of the GOOD NEWS, by which they can also believe,    confess and accept, Jesus Christ as their personal Savior.  Giving them the hope of redemption by sharing the sin cleansing benefit of baptism.  Giving them the encouragement to accept the New Being gift of Jesus Christ -  the Holy Spirit.  Giving them clear instructions for them to assemble themselves with a Bible based church. One that is Giving them Spiritual food (the Sincere Milk of the Word preparing them for the Meat of the Gospel) that will bring nourishing nutrients, by which to grow into a mature Christian.  Giving them more than just food that will soon be passed in the draught, but provide the Bread of Life that they too can share with a Spiritually hungry nation.  We are of a Royal Priesthood, let us exemplify such:

 King David gives us an example as to a mindset of THANKSGIVING that we should possess, in Psalms 28: 6-7

6.  PRAISE THE LORD!  FOR HE HAS HEARD MY CRY FOR MERCY.

7.  THE LORD IS MY STRENGTH AND SHIELD.  I TRUST HIM WITH ALL MY HEART.  HE HELPS ME, AND MY HEART IS FILLED WITH JOY.  I BURST OUT IN SONGS OF THANKSGIVING.

On November 28, 2013, lets not conform to the ways of this world, but let us be ye transformed by the renewing of our minds, and become the providers of not just natural food, but Spiritual Food for our family, friends, and loved ones. Thereby reestablishing the Spiritual core within a new generation that God is our only real source of safety, refuge and provision.  Give Him Thanks for all HE has done.     Happy Thanksgiving !!!