Number 84: November 23, 2006

Thanksgiving Day 2006.

This is a legal holiday originally rooted in the harvest festivals. After the first harvest was completed in 1621 by the Plymouth colonists, Gov. William Bradford proclaimed a day of thanksgiving and prayer shared by all the colonists and neighboring Indians. In 1623 a day of fasting and prayer during a period of drought was changed to one of thanksgiving because of the coming of rain during the prayers. Gradually the custom prevailed in New England of annually celebrating thanksgiving after the harvest. Later it became recognized as a national holiday to be celebrated on the 4th Thursday in November.



I Thessalonians 5:18:

In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.



I am very thankful that our nation recognizes a special day of thankfulness. However, we as Christians should live a life of gratitude to our heavenly Father for many reasons starting with His grace and mercy for not rewarding us according to our selfish deeds.



Psalm 103:10 and 11:

He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.

For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him.



Romans 6:23:

For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.



We deserve nothing, but God has made us acceptable and will give us our hearts desire.



Ephesians 1:6; 3:20:

To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.

Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,



We should eagerly partake in this glorious life in Christ and enjoy the many benefits that are ours as God’s children and show the world the love that our heavenly Father has for His children.



On this feast day I am thankful to God for His love and grace, for our savior Jesus Christ, and for the gift of holy spirit. I am thankful for good health and the freedom to speak God’s Word openly. I am thankful for advances in society that help us live an abundant life. Advances such as the internal combustion engine, heating systems that work, airplanes, in-door plumbing, all forms of communication devices, the resources of knowledge found in assorted Biblical research materials. This is a day to share with family, earthly and heavenly. Thus, eat, drink and remember that giving thanks well to God our Father should be a daily activity.