Seeking Truth in Today's Troubled World

Thanksgiving is a cherished holiday in the United States, marked by feasts, family gatherings, and reflections on the blessings of life. Thanksgiving with family should be a festive time but can also be a very chaotic time as one prepares for the big meal.  Though the modern celebration is associated with good food and football, its roots stretch back to the early history of the American colonists. For Christians, Thanksgiving is not just about temporal blessings, but about giving thanks for the ultimate gift of redemption offered through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. This essay will explore the historical origins of Thanksgiving in America and delve deeper into the biblical foundation for giving thanks, particularly in light of Christ’s sacrifice. 

The Historical Origins of Thanksgiving 

The roots of Thanksgiving in America lie in the 17th century, particularly with the Pilgrims who arrived aboard the Mayflower in 1620. The Pilgrims, English Separatists seeking religious freedom, faced dire hardships in the New World, including a harsh winter that claimed the lives of many settlers. By the spring of 1621, they had learned critical survival skills from the indigenous Wampanoag people, such as growing corn and other crops. This knowledge helped ensure the Pilgrims’ survival, and in the fall of that year, they held a feast to celebrate the harvest and give thanks for their newfound cooperation with the Wampanoag. 

Though the Pilgrims’ feast is commonly regarded as the “First Thanksgiving,” it did not mark the beginning of a formal holiday. Over time, Thanksgiving celebrations became a regional tradition, but it wasn’t until 1789 that President George Washington issued the first national Thanksgiving proclamation. Washington’s proclamation called for a day of “public thanksgiving and prayer” to express gratitude to God for the nation’s prosperity and divine favor. It was President Abraham Lincoln in 1863, during the Civil War, who declared Thanksgiving a national holiday, urging Americans to give thanks for the blessings of the past year and to seek God’s healing for the nation’s wounds. The date of Thanksgiving was later formalized by Congress in 1941 to the fourth Thursday in November. 

For Christians, Thanksgiving offers an opportunity to reflect on gratitude in a biblical context. While the modern holiday is centered around earthly blessings, the Bible offers a profound understanding of thankfulness rooted in God’s grace and the salvation provided through Jesus Christ. The concept of giving thanks is woven throughout both the Old and New Testaments, with believers urged to recognize God as the ultimate source of all blessings. 

In the Old Testament, giving thanks is a central theme. The Psalms are filled with expressions of gratitude, praising God for His goodness and faithfulness. Psalm 107:1 declares, “Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!” This verse exemplifies a key biblical principle: gratitude flows from a recognition of God’s eternal goodness and mercy. Psalm 100:4 echoes this sentiment, saying, “Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name!” Here, the call to give thanks is not just for personal blessings but for the greatness of God’s nature, His sovereignty, and His enduring love. 

The book of 1 Chronicles also emphasizes the importance of giving thanks in worship and sacrifice. In 1 Chronicles 16:34, David declares, “Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!” This declaration is repeated multiple times in the Old Testament, underscoring that thanksgiving is a vital part of the believer’s relationship with God. It is not merely a response to personal prosperity but a declaration of faith in God’s eternal love and provision. 

In the New Testament, the teachings of Jesus and the apostles continue to emphasize thanksgiving as a response to God’s grace. The Apostle Paul, in particular, frequently encourages believers to offer thanks in all circumstances. In 1 Thessalonians 5:18, Paul writes, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” This verse challenges Christians to maintain an attitude of gratitude regardless of their circumstances, acknowledging that God’s will for them is to continually express thankfulness, even in times of hardship. 

In Ephesians 5:20, Paul writes, “giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” This passage highlights the all-encompassing nature of Christian thanksgiving—it is not just for good times or tangible blessings, but for all things, as everything comes from God. Paul’s encouragement to give thanks always connects gratitude directly to the life and work of Jesus Christ. It is through Christ’s sacrifice that Christians can experience redemption and eternal life, making gratitude an intrinsic part of the Christian life. 

Jesus Himself modeled thanksgiving in His earthly ministry. In John 6:11, before feeding the 5,000, Jesus “took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated.” This moment shows that even in the face of physical need, Jesus gave thanks to God for provision. Furthermore, in Matthew 26:27, during the Last Supper, Jesus “took the cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them.” This act of thanksgiving, even before His impending suffering, demonstrates the importance of expressing gratitude to God, even in moments of great personal sacrifice. 

For Christians, the ultimate reason for giving thanks is the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ on the cross, which provides the way for redemption and eternal life. The death of Jesus, which paid the penalty for sin, is the most significant gift that believers can be thankful for. In Romans 6:23, Paul writes, “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” This verse encapsulates the gospel message that, despite humanity’s sin, God offers forgiveness and eternal life through Jesus Christ. 

Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross allows Christians to be reconciled to God, providing a foundation for a deeper, more profound thanksgiving. The act of giving thanks takes on new meaning when viewed through the lens of redemption. As Ephesians 5:2 teaches, “And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” This sacrificial love—giving Himself for humanity’s sins—compels Christians to respond with gratitude for the ultimate gift of salvation. 

In light of Christ’s sacrifice, Thanksgiving also becomes a time to reflect on the blessings of family and friends. Relationships are a gift from God, meant to mirror His love and bring mutual encouragement. The love Christ demonstrated in laying down His life for others becomes the model for how believers should love and cherish their families, friends, and communities. In John 15:12-13, Jesus commands, “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” This selfless love is a reflection of God’s heart and should shape the way Christians relate to one another, offering thanks for the relationships that enrich their lives. 

Conclusion 

Thanksgiving in America has its roots in the early history of the Pilgrims and their gratitude for survival in the New World. Over the centuries, it has evolved into a national holiday marked by feasts and family gatherings. However, for Christians, Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on the deeper spiritual significance of gratitude—especially for the ultimate gift of redemption through Jesus Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. The Bible calls believers to give thanks not just for earthly blessings, but for God’s goodness, love, and the gift of salvation. By focusing on the profound nature of Christ’s sacrifice, Christians are reminded to give thanks in all circumstances and to express gratitude for family and friends, who, as gifts from God, enrich the journey of life.  Much love to all. May God’s blessings be upon you today and everyday. Give Him glory through thought and deed.

~JH

Bibliography 

• The Holy Bible, English Standard Version (ESV). Crossway, 2001. 

• Long, Lucy M. The Thanksgiving Ceremony: New Year’s Day in the Americas. Smithsonian Institution Press, 2003. 

• Washington, George. “Thanksgiving Proclamation.” October 3, 1789. National Archives. https://www.archives.gov/exhibits/american_originals/washpost.html. 

• Lincoln, Abraham. “Proclamation of Thanksgiving.” October 3, 1863. National Archives. https://www.archives.gov/exhibits/american_originals/lincoln.html. 

• Shields, David S. The Pilgrims and the First Thanksgiving: A Story of Survival, Celebration, and Gratitude. Penguin Books, 2016.