“….Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18
The original Thanksgiving celebration was held by the Pilgrim settlers in Massachusetts during their second winter in America. That first winter had taken its toll on the colonists. Of the original 102 settlers, by winter’s end 44 had died due to lack of shelter, starvation, scurvy and disease. At one point, their daily food ration was down to five kernels of corn apiece, but then an unexpected ship arrived! They were able to swap beaver pelts for grain which provided for their immediate needs. By persevering in prayer and with the help of Native Americans, the settlers learned how to plant crops, hunt game and fish.
The Pilgrims who landed on Cape Cod in 1620 were devout followers of Christ who had left the comforts of home, family and friends to pursue their vision to worship God according to their conscience. There were at least three areas for which they were particularly grateful.
- With the arrival of spring, the sicknesses that had immobilized the community and taken many in death, had lifted.
- God sent them an English-speaking Native American named Squanto. He helped them establish friendly relations with the Wampanoag Indians and their Chief Massosoit. This resulted in trade flowing with the Indian tribes.
- Squanto gave them advice about farming and fishing and with God’s help, resulted in an abundant harvest.
The summer’s crop brought hope to the struggling Pilgrims, so Governor William Bradford decreed that December 13, 1621 be set aside as a day of feasting and prayer to show gratitude to the Lord and to “give thanks in all circumstances,” for those who were still alive.
On that first Thanksgiving, an equal number of English Pilgrims and Native Americans feasted together. The Indians arrived with five dressed deer to add to the bounty the Pilgrims had prepared. There was almost certainly wild turkey, fish and waterfowl! Gov. Bradford sent four men to hunt for “fowl” who returned with enough to last three days. The people ate together with thankful hearts! Prayers, sermons and songs of praise were part of the celebration. They also engaged in shooting matches, foot races and wrestling matches with their Indian friends. It was such a time of celebration, it extended three days!
As Christians, what should be our focus on Thanksgiving Day? Is it the feasting on turkey, dressing and pumpkin pie? We have so much abundance in our country, with much to be thankful for! The Bible gives many examples of gratitude. In Genesis, the Israelites sang a song of thanksgiving after crossing the Red Sea and defeating the army of Pharaoh. (Exodus 15). The Law of Moses sent aside holidays three times each year. All three involved remembering God’s provision and grace: The Feast of Passover (Exodus 12:15-20), The Festival of Weeks/Harvest (Leviticus 23:15-21, and the Festival of Tabernacles (Leviticus 23:33-36).
In the New Testament, we are repeatedly told to “give thanks to God.” It should be part of our daily prayerlife. Of all His gifts to us, the greatest one He gave is the gift of His Son, Jesus Christ. On the cross of Calvary, Jesus paid our sin debt, so we could be forgiven and given eternal life. This gift is free to all who call upon Him in sincere faith. “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” 2 Corinthians 9:15.
Happy Thanksgiving!! Your friend, Jean