I recently heard someone say they didn’t have much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving. This statement prompts me to share a few things about the “real” reason to give thanks.
Thanksgiving does not come from the abundance of things, but rather from the
realization that all things deserve our gratitude, and gratitude must be directed to a
person, more specifically, the creator of all things, God. Christian theologian Cornelius
Plantinga, Jr, wrote, “It must be an odd feeling to be thankful to nobody in particular.
It’s very strange. It’s a little like being married in general.” 1
Almost all civilizations seem thankful for the earth bringing forth its substance with some sort of celebration. Maybe that is why many people think Thanksgiving is about having an abundance. This is not how American Thanksgiving began, however.
It is recorded, “In 1619, when the first Europeans to America arrived, in what is now Virginia, those 38 English settlers set aside a day of thanksgiving and prayer to God.” 2 It was not because their journey was perfect, with no problems. It was quite the opposite. During that three-month voyage they lost over one-half of their loved ones to sickness and their supplies were exhausted. When they arrived, however, it says they thanked God.
It would be another year before the pilgrims would reach Plymouth Rock, Massachusetts. Another two years would pass before they would celebrate what has become known as the first “Thanksgiving.”
That first Thanksgiving was not celebrated because of an abundance. It was actually full of reasons not to be thankful. Author H.U. Westermayer wrote, “The Pilgrims made seven times more graves than huts. No Americans have been more impoverished than those who, nevertheless, set aside a day of thanksgiving.” 3
Years later, George Washington’s 1789 proclamation of a day for public thanksgiving and prayer came at a time of great turmoil and strife. He wrote, “It is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor.” 4
Seventy-four years later, in 1863, as America lay divided and impoverished by civil war, Abraham Lincoln declared a National Day of Thanksgiving. He wrote, “It has seemed to me fit and proper that they [gifts from God] should be solemnly, reverently, and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and one voice by the whole American people.” He continued, “We often forget the Source from which the blessings of fruitful years and healthful skies come… No human wisdom hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God.” 5
The Most High God! He should be the source of our thankfulness. I’m afraid, however, that in this era we have tried to turn God into a “Santa Claus.” Seems that we are always asking Him for more things, instead of giving thanks for what we possess, and for what He has already given.
Charles Haddon Spurgeon said, “You say, ‘If I had more, I should be very satisfied.’ You make a mistake. If you are not content with what you have, you would not be satisfied if it were doubled.” 6
The Scriptures ask this question, “And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?” (Matthew 16:26 NLT)
Recognizing that God is not just the giver of things, but of life itself, and that he is the author of salvation through Jesus Christ is reason to be thankful, period. “Therefore, let us offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God, proclaiming our allegiance to his name.” (Hebrews 13:15 NLT)
So, this Thanksgiving season, let us give thanks to God for salvation that sets us free from sin, that saves us for an eternity in heaven. Let us give thanks and worship Him forever.
If you do not know Jesus as Savior, ask Him to forgive you of your sin and declare Him as your Lord. Contact us to let us know of your decision, and we will give thanks with you.
Give thanks to the King of kings and Lord of lords. Give thanks for Jesus Christ, God’s Son, dying on the cross for our salvation. He is all we need, because He is all we really have.
“Happiness is the realization of God in the heart. Happiness is the result of praise and thanksgiving, of faith, of acceptance; a quiet tranquil realization of the love of God.” White Eagle 7
Enjoy a few other THANKSGIVING DAY quotes:
“We would worry less if we praised more. Thanksgiving is the enemy of discontent and dissatisfaction.” Harry A. Ironside 8
“Thanksgiving Day is a jewel, to set in the hearts of honest men, but be careful that you do not take the day and leave out the gratitude.” E.P. Powell 9
“If I have enjoyed the hospitality of the Host of this universe, Who daily spreads a table
“in my sight, surely I cannot do less than acknowledge my dependence.” G.A. Johnston Ross 10
References accessed November 16-17, 2024:
1 https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/1995/november13/5td069.html
2 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thanksgiving_(United_States)
3 https://www.treasurequotes.com/quotes/the-pilgrims-made-seven-times- more-graves-than
4 https://www.si.edu/spotlight/thanksgiving/proclamation
5 https://www.historyplace.com/lincoln/thanks.htm
6 https://www.princeofpreachers.org/quotable-
quotes.html#:~:text=%E2%80%9CYou%20say%2C%20'If%20I,satisfied%20if%20it%20were%20double
d.%E2%80%9D
7 https://www.thoughtco.com/thank-you-god-quotes-2832090
8 https://deeperchristianquotes.com/author/dcq-henryironside/
9 https://www.passiton.com/inspirational-quotes/6323-thanksgiving-day-is-a-jewel-to-set-in-the
10 https://www.allinspiration.com/a/more-thanksgiving-quotations/2/