Thanksgiving

“Give thanks to the Lord for He is good” Ps. 107:1

To a non-Christian, it means a vacation from work - a holiday. It is a chance to get together with good friends or family, watch ball games, and enjoy good food.

To the Merchant, it signals the official beginning of the Christmas season, his busiest time of the year. Card and flower companies will have a heyday.

To a child, it means a time to visit cousins, aunts and uncles and grandparents, and being forced to eat things made out of cranberries and figs. And we all will do our part to keep the turkey farmers in business.

In spite of the commercialization of this season into a holiday by Wall Street and Madison Avenue; in spite of the over-indulgence in food and drink; in spite of the completely selfish, not-Christian motivations of many people. . . isn’t it significant that for a least a few days a year our entire society is reminded of the need to give thanks to the Lord who gives all good gifts?

Perhaps, Thanksgiving does not produce any changing results. I suppose many will observe it without any religious significance whatsoever. But traditions can serve as important reminders about the truly important things in life. Traditions connect us historically to our roots.

Thanksgiving is a reminder to each of us that we are citizens of a country founded by people of great courage and faith in God. That faith led them to dedicate a day each year to return thanks to our Creator and Redeemer. American Christians have been observing this uniquely American religious traditions for 393 years. Our generation stands in that tradition and has the opportunity to re-affirm the importance of being thankful, and returning credit to the only One to whom credit is due.

Besides, Thanksgiving is voluntary observation, not a requirement. What would it mean to God if it was mandatory? So each of us, within our own families, can make Thanksgiving whatever we want. How about making it something special this year?

“O Give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name, make known his deeds among the people.”

Blessings for the Journey!