Reclaiming Thanksgiving

In 1621, the first Thanksgiving took place in Plymouth, Massachusetts. One hundred sixty years later, George Washington declared Nov. 26, 1789, a day of prayer and Thanksgiving. Nonetheless, Abraham Lincoln declared the last Thursday of November as an annual celebration of Thanksgiving Day in 1863. He did so in commemoration of the Union Army’s victory at Gettysburg. Four hundred and three years later, we continue to pay tribute to the humble beginnings of giving thanks.
Therefore, excitement flows through the air as we prepare to celebrate this day of thankfulness. People are starting to travel, searching for favorite recipes, and planning family gatherings. I love seeing the excitement on the faces of my grandchildren and hearing my adult children make the festive arrangements for the perfect feast. Young ones are excited about the upcoming gathering because they will have a day of sweet treats and games with their cousins. The adults will happily greet one another, sample an early bite of pie, and tell family stories. It is a joyous time of year to celebrate togetherness.
Isn’t it odd how some things remain the same throughout the generations while others fade into the commercialism of our current society, causing us to forget the season’s true meaning? We may proclaim the start of Thanksgiving in 1621, yet the Bible proclaims Thanksgiving from the beginning of time. For example, we see thankfulness portrayed by Noah in the early writings of the Scripture. The first act of Noah when he exited the Ark was to build an altar of thanks to God for His protection (Genesis 8:20).
King David wrote many of his Psalms reflecting on the act of Thanksgiving, proclaiming the goodness of the Lord. At one point, David cried out, asking his soul why it was so downcast. He purposefully changed his focus from the troubled world to his hope in God. David took comfort in knowing the Lord remained his Savior (Psalm 43:5). Our hope is also in the Lord.
The Apostle Paul teaches us to continue speaking with the Heavenly Father, keeping an attitude of joy. He also tells us to give thanks in all circumstances of life (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). Paul spoke from experience. There were times in his life when Thanksgiving seemed humanly impossible. He was arrested, beaten, and thrown into a darkened prison. Yet he began to offer thanks unto the Lord. Amid his praises, his chains fell off, and the prison doors were opened (Acts 16:25-34).
Just as Paul found liberation through his unwavering gratitude, we too can break free from the confines of emotional and spiritual sadness. By focusing on the blessings in our lives, we can shift our perspective and uplift our spirits, elevating our mood while renewing our hearts. Unlike happiness, joy is not contingent on our situation but on our attitude towards those situations. This transformative power of gratitude gives us hope.
Just as Paul experienced miraculous freedom in one of his darkest moments, we, too, can find peace that surpasses our understanding (Philippians 4:7). Imagine this: like Paul and other heroes of faith, we can start each day with a heart of gratitude by reclaiming a moment for daily Thanksgiving. In doing so, we will shift our focus from downcast to uplifted. When we celebrate our blessings, no matter how small, joy and peace will temper our struggles, causing Thanksgiving to become a daily celebration.
Psalm 100:4 Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.

Cheryl Mixon-Cruce is Pastor of Ochlockonee Bay United Methodist Church and Sopchoppy United Methodist Church.