“I will praise God’s name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving” Psalm 69:30
Modern Thanksgiving was proclaimed for all states in 1863 by Abraham Lincoln. Influenced by Sarah Josepha Hale, who wrote letters to politicians for approximately 40 years advocating an official holiday, Lincoln set national Thanksgiving by proclamation for the final Thursday in November in celebration of the bounties that had continued to fall on the Union and for the military successes in the war; also calling on the American people, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty hand of God to heal the wounds of the nation. Because of the ongoing Civil War, a nationwide Thanksgiving celebration was not realized until Reconstruction was completed in the 1870s.
Many will be preparing for a Thursday meal of turkey, dressing, gravy, vegetables and mashed potatoes. While many in our country take time to celebrate Thanksgiving, many are looking forward to Black Friday and all the “price reductions” for gifts we may buy for Christmas.
Perhaps we should take time to share the many things we’re thankful for when we gather this Thursday, sharing what God has been doing in our lives, especially what Jesus did on the cross to pay for our sins.
May you and your loved ones have a wonderful Thanksgiving, sharing what you’re thankful for!
Happy Thanksgiving!
