Throughout scripture, we learn that at the end of a battle or trial, drought or long journey, God’s people would come together for a time of Thanksgiving; A time of prayer and singing to the God who brought them out of their tough time. This tradition began from the time Moses led the Hebrews out of captivity and has continued throughout history.

In 1621, the New England Colonists, having been accustomed to days of ‘Thanksgiving’ - days of prayer thanking God for blessings - marked the end of their hard beginning in a new land with such a time. On that day, two very distinct people came together in a time of Thanksgiving, counting the blessings of the previous year, including a new home and new friends. They celebrated with a feast that lasted a few days, setting the bar for generations to come. Today, our celebration of Thanksgiving, modeled on that one day 400 years ago, still sees family and friends coming together for a time of feasting and giving thanks for the blessings received.

We are taught, from a very young age, to say: “Thank You”, because it’s polite. Yet, for many, this may be the only day all year that heads are bowed in thankfulness. The words, ‘I am thankful for’ are said without much thought to who is actually receiving our thanks. We are thankful for our family, the air we breathe, and the beauty of the world around us, things that can only be credited to our Almighty God and Creator. The Giver of those blessings (and countless more) only hears ‘Thank You’, from some, on this occasion. As has been the tradition for centuries, isn’t it time we, too, become accustomed to giving thanks to God for our blessings, and not just on Thanksgiving Day? Let today be the beginning of a new tradition of thankfulness, that lasts all year long!

Suggested Prayer:

Dear God,

Today as I come together with my family and friends to celebrate the things we are thankful for, allow us to keep in mind and hearts that our thanks are to you, Lord. Thank you for allowing this day to be set aside specifically to remind us to be thankful. I begin now by thanking you for the love and mercy you have shown me. Help me to carry a thankful spirit throughout the year and not just today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

1. 1 Timothy 4:4.