We are approaching that wonderful holiday, you know, the one that is squeezed right between Halloween and Christmas…Thanksgiving!  Most of us have been a part of some type of holiday family or friend get-togethers with great food and awesome fellowship. Many across North America will set aside time to visit with loved ones, eat their favorite annual Thanksgiving meal, and maybe even play some type of games.  Some families even have their own family traditions for each Thanksgiving. For example, some families will pull out the Christmas tree and decorate it together. Others may even draw names for Christmas. Whatever the tradition, it is a holiday for being grateful.

Be thankful!

The holiday, itself, is remembered as a tradition.  As noted, Thanksgiving is a holiday that is rooted in gratitude. Historically, Thanksgiving is rooted in the event where the Plymouth colonists shared a feast the Wampanoag Indians in 1621. That shared meal together is considered the first Thanksgiving, and has been celebrated for many years ever since. In fact, in 1863, President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed that Thanksgiving  be a nationally celebrated  holiday on a Thursday in November. Since that time, Thanksgiving has been a very important holiday.

Give thanks.

Thanksgiving is a time where we give thanks for our many blessings. In doing so, God is the One who deserves the gratitude for every good and perfect gift. In fact, giving thanks did not begin back in just 1621,  but indeed began when God created humanity. God has always been the bearer of anything that we have that is good, and He is always the One who deserves our praise and our gratitude. For example, 1 Timothy 4:4-5 the Bible says, “For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer.” He has given us many good blessings and we are to receive them with thanksgiving. Another important verse is 1 Chronicles 16:34, and it says, “”Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.” God is good and we are to give thanks to Him for all of His goodness.

In conclusion, when we are all rejoicing, visiting with loved ones, eating really good food, and simply enjoying our day, let us make sure that we focus on the Giver of all. He is worthy to be praised.  1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 says, “ Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” God reminds us that no matter what is going on in our lives, we are to give thanks to Him. Lastly, Philippians 4:6-7 God’s Word says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”  May we praise and thank Him for all He has done in our lives. We have much to be thankful for!