( © Rev. William H. Anderson, 11/22/02 )

The United States has a Holiday known simply as Thanksgiving. But the true meaning behind this has been lost or forgotten over the years. Now, it is merely treated as a day dedicated to gluttony with little thought of actually giving thanks to God for what he has provided this Great Christian Country.

The originators of this Holiday suffered severely through their first year in this land of “milk-and-honey.” They were unable to grow or store enough food, or even build proper shelter for their first winter in the new land. Many died from exposure and starvation. During their second year the local natives shared their knowledge with the survivors. 

The survivors learned how to cultivate maize (corn), to gather and store other foods, and how to hunt, fish and prepare the meat for long-term storage by smoking and salting. By the time the Harvest was completed the settlers saw that they had more than enough food and shelter to see them through the winter. They decided to hold a celebration to Thank God for their bounty and new friends. They invited the local natives to come and celebrate with them.

This was a new concept to the local natives and only a few came, bringing with them meats and other foods to add to what the settlers had. The celebration actually lasted for a week. A week of enjoying the fruits of their labor and of Thanking God for what he provided for them. A time of joy before the harshness of winter was once again upon them.

We too are like these early settlers. As said in Matthew 22:14 - For many are called, but few are chosen. (KJV) When we first accepted Jesus as Saviour we, like the early settlers, thought we could handle anything. Then many of us were confronted with our first winter, the desire to continue living as we had before accepting Jesus, and many failed to keep Jesus in their hearts. Many died during this first winter.

For those who survived that first winter, the local natives (our teachers, preachers and new friends) were there to teach us how to survive without returning to our old ways. And, like the early settlers, we learned how to store up the spiritual food and how to call upon God for shelter, for the times we are under attack. We also need to set aside a time of Thanksgiving to God for all He has provided and to remind ourselves of where we would be if not for the Love and Forgiveness God provided through the sacrifice of his Only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ of Nazareth.

On this Thanksgiving Day let us, like the early settlers, lift our voices in Thanksgiving to God for our Salvation and Prosperity.

Psalm 116:17 I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the LORD.  (KJV)

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