We often think of the Thanksgiving holiday in the United States as a time for families and friends to gather and feast. While gathering with family and friends is a wonderful blessing, it is not the original intent of the holiday.
President Abraham Lincoln first proclaimed a national day of “Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens”, to be celebrated on the last Thursday in November. The national holiday was created to thank our Heavenly Father for the many blessings He has given us throughout the year. So, no, Thanksgiving is not cancelled. We may or may not gather as we might normally. But Christians will still offer thanks to God for the many blessings He has provided.
The Apostle Paul wrote, by inspiration, Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks. For this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 EHV) It is our privilege as Christians to bring all our concerns and requests to our God in prayer. And it is also our privilege to thank our God for all of the blessings He has provided: Do not worry about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. (Philippians 4:6 EHV)
Our nation is going through a difficult time in our history and needs our prayers. So, don’t cancel Thanksgiving. Give thanks to God! Continue to ask for God’s blessings on our nation, our families, and our friends. Continue to thank God for all He has done for us, and especially for the salvation He has provided through our Lord, Jesus Christ. He has given His life to pay for your sins! He has provided for you the only path to eternal life! Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his mercy endures forever. (Psalm 106:1 EHV)
Rev. Paul Fries
