Thankful for This Holiday
When most of us think of Thanksgiving, we envision a huge feast, long weekends, football, floats and family. The first Thanksgiving and it's meaning seem to escape many people today.
So, first a bit of history:
After the Mayflower arrived at Plymouth Rock on December 11, 1620, the Pilgrims lost 46 of the original 102 colonists. The remaining Pilgrims survived a brutal winter with the help of the Indians, and were able to produce an abundant harvest in 1621. To celebrate, a traditional English harvest festival lasting three days united the Pilgrims and natives in a thanksgiving ceremony.
There would not be another "thanksgiving" meal until June of 1676. On June 29th the people of Charlestown, MA proclaimed a day of thanksgiving. This celebration did not include the Indians as the colonists were celebrating their victory over the natives. It was not until 100 years later in October 1777 that all 13 colonies joined in a one-time "thanksgiving" celebration recognizing their victory over the British at Saratoga.
Our current Thanksgiving would not be established until over 150 years later when George Washington proclaimed it a National holiday in 1789. In 1863 Lincoln proclaimed it would be the last Thursday of November, and in 1941 Congress sanctioned it as a legal holiday.
When I envision Thanksgiving, I think of a day to express gratitude for family and the gifts in my life. It is a time to gather and share our victories as well as our struggles; finding strength and hope.
Thanksgiving offers us the opportunity to teach our children family history, and tell stories to bring joy and laughter. It's a time to feast on great food prepared from family recipes, and give thanks for the opportunity to be together.
Thanksgiving is also a time to think of those less fortunate. Not everyone will have a day filled with family and a bounty of food. Even if there is no money to give, there is the gift of time. A small donation of food, or serving at a community kitchen, can make a big difference in the lives of others.
"...In everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God" (Philippeans 4:6)
Thanksgiving....an attitude of the heart. May you have a wonderful Thanksgiving with family or friends, remembering what you are thankful for.
So, first a bit of history:
After the Mayflower arrived at Plymouth Rock on December 11, 1620, the Pilgrims lost 46 of the original 102 colonists. The remaining Pilgrims survived a brutal winter with the help of the Indians, and were able to produce an abundant harvest in 1621. To celebrate, a traditional English harvest festival lasting three days united the Pilgrims and natives in a thanksgiving ceremony.
There would not be another "thanksgiving" meal until June of 1676. On June 29th the people of Charlestown, MA proclaimed a day of thanksgiving. This celebration did not include the Indians as the colonists were celebrating their victory over the natives. It was not until 100 years later in October 1777 that all 13 colonies joined in a one-time "thanksgiving" celebration recognizing their victory over the British at Saratoga.
Our current Thanksgiving would not be established until over 150 years later when George Washington proclaimed it a National holiday in 1789. In 1863 Lincoln proclaimed it would be the last Thursday of November, and in 1941 Congress sanctioned it as a legal holiday.
When I envision Thanksgiving, I think of a day to express gratitude for family and the gifts in my life. It is a time to gather and share our victories as well as our struggles; finding strength and hope.
Thanksgiving offers us the opportunity to teach our children family history, and tell stories to bring joy and laughter. It's a time to feast on great food prepared from family recipes, and give thanks for the opportunity to be together.
Thanksgiving is also a time to think of those less fortunate. Not everyone will have a day filled with family and a bounty of food. Even if there is no money to give, there is the gift of time. A small donation of food, or serving at a community kitchen, can make a big difference in the lives of others.
"...In everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God" (Philippeans 4:6)
Thanksgiving....an attitude of the heart. May you have a wonderful Thanksgiving with family or friends, remembering what you are thankful for.
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