Thanksgiving

Like many of you with kids this time of year we get to see some interesting “craft projects” that come home from school. I’ve seen turkeys made from plastic spoons, paper plates and of course the one made from a tracing of a small child’s hand. At my sons school recently I saw artwork hanging in the halls with Pilgrims, Indians, baskets, tee pees and cabins. There were an abundant number of “horns o’ plenty”, numerous unknown masterpieces made of fall colored construction paper and of course, more turkeys than you could count. What was noticeably absent from any of the objet d’art was a cross? Interesting considering the ENTIRE reason the Pilgrims made their journey.  

Our society has become so concerned with offending, that anything relating to Christianity, one of the core and basic reason this Country was founded, has been quietly swept aside and covered in brown, orange and red construction paper. Interesting when current talk in education is the introduction of Islamic studies to fight the negative press this group receives. Our Country has become a place of tolerance and acceptance of everything except Christianity. At the Elementary School I attended the 10 Commandments were printed on the wall at the main entrance, wonder how many coats of paint cover them now?

If you are a parent please make sure your children know:

The Pilgrims left England seeking opportunity and religious freedom. In England they were forced to 

meet privately, and in hiding. Their primary reason for coming to America was to have the freedom to 

practice their Christian beliefs, openly and without censure or persecution.

          

The Pilgrim settlers in Massachusetts held the original thanksgiving celebration during their second 

winter in America in December 1621. The first winter had killed 44 of the original 102 colonists. At one 

point their daily food ration was down to five kernels of corn apiece, but then an unexpected trading 

vessel arrived, swapping them beaver pelts for corn, providing for their severe need. The next summer’s 

crop brought hope, and Governor William Bradford decreed that December 13, 1621, be set aside as a 

day of feasting and prayer to show the gratitude of the colonists that they were still alive.

Thanksgiving in America has historically been celebrated as a day to give thanks to God for His gracious 

and sufficient provision. President Abraham Lincoln officially set aside the last Thursday of November, 

in 1863, “as a day of thanksgiving and praise to our beneficent Father.” That quote, word for word is 

recorded in the Congressional minutes.          

In 1941, Congress ruled that after 1941, the fourth Thursday of November be observed as Thanksgiving 

Day and be a legal holiday.

Regardless of what children may learn in school, the Pilgrims came to American soil to have the right to express their religious beliefs freely and openly.

Giving thanks to the Lord is one of the basic tenants of Christianity and the Bible has stories and examples of this from Genesis to Revelations. And while the simple historical facts about Thanksgiving need to be shared with our children, it’s a good day to impart a few scriptures to them as well. I kind of like the following:

Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 – NLT




Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

Philippians 4:6 – NIV




I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone.

1 Timothy 2:1 – NIV


 

As Christians we have so much to be thankful for, top that list with Jesus dying for our sin. We could sit back and complain about the current state of society but what good would it do? Like the Pilgrims we have a choice to make, wallow in circumstance or give thanks to the Lord? Today has become more about being festive and full as opposed to humble and thankful. My prayer today will be that the Lord finds us all, His grateful children.

Peace and grace,

Jeff