Historically we as Americans look back to the Puritans as the originators of our traditional Thanksgiving Day celebration. Of course the roots of it go back much further that this. For the inspiration for this feast day goes back to the institution of the Feast of Tabernacles at Mount Sinai. It is a day of remembrance that causes us to stop and reflect upon our blessing that all originate from a loving and merciful God.
Christians of course should acknowledge their thanksgiving to God every day. Many years ago I came to the realization of how easy it is to accumulate bad feelings and attitudes when confronted with our daily challenges and struggles. I came to the conclusion that there were at least these two things that I must maintain in my life on a daily basis. One is a forgiving spirit, and the other is a heart of thanksgiving.
It is because we as humans have a tendency to get busy and neglect time to reflect on the goodness of God, that a day set aside for Thanksgiving is so very important. I can think of no greater illustration of this than the record in the book of Nehemiah. It happened after the walls of Jerusalem had been restored that the people gather together and the Word of God was read. The result was that the people began to weep as the recognized how far they had drifted from following the holy Law of God.
“then Nehemiah, who was the governor, and Ezra the priest [and] scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, “this day is holy to the LORD your god; do not mourn or weep.” for all the people were weeping when they heard the words of the law. then he said to them, “go, eat of the fat, drink of the sweet, and send portions to him who has nothing prepared; for this day is holy to our lord. do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” so the Levites calmed all the people, saying, “be still, for the day is holy; do not be grieved.” all the people went away to eat, to drink, to send portions and to celebrate a great festival, because they understood the words which had been made known to them.” (Ne 8:9-12 NAS95)
And this was just the beginning, for the next day they came together for the reading of the Scripture. The results was a revival of the celebration of the Feast of Tabernacles and a return of a nation to following the Law of God. Oh, that our nation would return to its roots and give thanks to the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. But it must start first with our individual families. Let this day truly be a day of celebration and thanksgiving to a most gracious Heavenly Father.
Read Nehemiah chapters 8 and 9.
With thanksgiving,
Bob Gunderson