Food, family, and blessings are all beautiful things associated with this holiday. Say the word Thanksgiving, and it evokes images of a huge feast with a turkey. Families plan gatherings around the iconic meal for this particular Thursday. The holiday often catalyzes reflections and talks about what we are thankful for.
Before my spiritual birth in 2017, I was thankful but attributed much of what I had to my hard work. It’s not that I didn’t believe in God because I did, but my belief was thin, limited, and disconnected.
This past Sunday, our pastor reminded us of the genesis of the Thanksgiving holiday. He presented this quote (among others):
“It is therefore recommended to the legislative or executive Powers of these United States to set apart Thursday, the eighteenth Day of December next, for Solemn Thanksgiving and Praise: That at one Time and with one Voice, the good People may express the grateful Feelings of their Hearts, and consecrate themselves to the Service of their Divine Benefactor; and that, together with their sincere Acknowledgments and Offerings, they may join the penitent Confession of their manifold Sins, whereby they had forfeited every Favor; and their humble and earnest Supplication that it may please God through the Merits of Jesus Christ, mercifully to forgive and blot them out of Remembrance.”
—Continental Congress, 1777
What strikes me is the language the forefathers of this nation used…..it is evident that they were God-fearing men. Can we say that of the people who make up our current legislative bodies? Maybe for some, but not most, and indeed, not all. The phrases and expressions like “…humble and earnest Supplication that it may please God through the Merits of Jesus Christ” and “penitent confession of their manifold sins” speak of a respectful understanding of who God is and humanity’s need for Him. Reading this quote sounds more like a sermon than it does political leaders making a proclamation. And that’s the point…..the only time we might hear these rich words used today is in a sermon at church.
The language stands in stark contrast to the sanitized vocabulary used today. The language reveals God’s proximity to everyday life in 1777. Issues of God are quickly relegated to a melting pot of religion, faith-based issues, and spirituality.
Followers of Jesus today are faced with an enormous challenge. Following Jesus today is counter-cultural. Following Jesus today means putting Him at the center of every aspect of your life as the world seeks to erase Him.
I have a new appreciation for Thanksgiving as it was initially intended….honoring and giving thanks and praise to God.
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#Thanksgiving #ThanksgivingDay #grateful #blessed #family #friends #goodfood #thankyouGod #Jesus