Thanksgiving

Introduction
Weeks before Thanksgiving my heart warms with anticipation. I look forward to the opportunity to gather with friends and family and thank God for all he has provided us. While I am thankful all year long for all the things God has done for me this is the time of year the whole family gathers to collectively thank God as a family.
On that day, I will arrive to the aroma of a huge turkey that has roasted all night; family members will arrive with desserts and side dishes. There will be a grateful glow as we revel in the abundance we enjoy, an abundance of food, family and love.
What a precious gift it is to have a day set aside to offer thanks, to turn our thoughts away from work, financial concerns and national hot topics and toward the people and God that bring joy into our lives.
For me, that joy comes from my relationship with Jesus. It's humbling to think about what God has done for me through His Son. The apostle Paul tells the church in Ephesus about the blessings God brings into our lives when we choose to follow Christ.

Eph 1:3 Blessed [be] the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly [places] in Christ

The blessings listed in the verses that follow include:
1.He chose us
2.He redeems us through the blood of Jesus
3.He forgives our sins
4.He gives us the Holy Spirit

Eph 1:4-14 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.
In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; [even] in him: In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.
In whom ye also [trusted], after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

And with His gift of the Holy Spirit, He gives us even more blessing because the Spirit, alive in us, produces fruit.

Gal 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

Beyond those gifts, the Christian life is blessed with purpose as we live our lives to please God. The Christian life is blessed with His Word, the Bible, which guide and comfort us. The Christian life is blessed with the knowledge of His love for us. And the Christian life is blessed with His abiding presence.

Whatever your Thanksgiving Day includes, the noise of a large family, a quiet, peaceful day or something in between, we, as Christians, are overwhelmingly blessed.
We enjoy a magnitude of blessing because we have life in Christ.

As we approach Thanksgiving Day, let's not focus on the food, which are gifts. Let's focus on the giver. Let's thank God for all He has provided. Let's call on His name and invite Him to be present at our table. Let's celebrate Thanksgiving Day with grateful hearts

Too many people however, it appears that Thanksgiving Day, like most other national and religious holidays, have been highly commercialized, to the point that many people forget what we are supposed to be celebrating. If we were to survey people on the street and ask, "What stands out in your mind when you think of Thanksgiving Day", we would probably get answers like: turkey, dinner, pilgrims, fall, pumpkins, corn stalks, etc.
But, how many people on Thanksgiving Day actually pause and do what the name of the event suggests? What portion of the celebrators do stop to thank God for our nation and for all we have? The book of Psalms commands us to:

Psa 105:1-3 O give thanks unto the LORD; call upon his name: make known his deeds among the people.
Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him: talk ye of all his wondrous works.
Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the LORD

In times of crisis, it's easy to think about God and eternity. When the living is easy, man is much more likely to think prideful upon his own achievements.
Of course, crisis or not, one day a year is never enough to thank God for all the blessings in our lives. But even that modest proclamation seems to have been forgotten - or intentionally sanitized from all our secular cultural institutions.

Today the whole notion of Thanksgiving has been dumbed down to little more than multicultural gibberish. It's no longer a day to thank God; it's a day to thank indigenous peoples for their contributions to humanity. Ironically, Thanksgiving is truly a multicultural tradition in the best sense of the term - having been inspired by the ancient Hebrew Pilgrims of the Old World (Christians) were seeking a promised land of religious liberty of their own.

This week, America is divided once again. The precious institutions of liberty handed down by our forefathers have been tested beyond the breaking point. Some Americans, too, are literally at the breaking point - ready to give up on the dream of liberty and justice and one nation under God. Maybe this would be the right time to reflect deeply on the true meaning of Thanksgiving - this ancient, tried-and-tested rite. After all, how can it ever be a bad time to pray?

Too many Americans have forgotten the meaning of Thanksgiving.
Have you checked out what your children are learning about this holiday in both government and too many private schools? The Pilgrims had a rough time when they first landed on Plymouth Rock. Finally, the friendly native Americans taught the European plunderers how to fish and plant corn. The harvest feast held by William Bradford (the pilgrims governor) and the gang was a way for the Pilgrims to thank the Indians for saving their lives. Thus, Thanksgiving.

This may be a slight oversimplification of what your children are learning about this important American holiday this week - but not by much. And most importantly what happened to reason of Thanksgiving – Giving Thanks to God.

Though it's a uniquely American tradition, the roots of Thanksgiving go back to ancient Israel’s fest of Sukkoth, sometimes called The Feast of Tabernacles. In a real sense, the Jews invented Thanksgiving. I count 28 references to the word thanksgiving in the King James Bible - all but six in the Old Testament. For the ancient children of Israel, thanksgiving was a time of feasting and fasting, of praising God, of singing songs. It was a rich celebration - and still is for observant Jews today.

Bradford himself studied the Hebrew Scriptures. The Pilgrims took them very seriously. The idea of giving thanks to God with a feast was inspired by that knowledge of the Bible. In a very real way, the Pilgrims saw themselves, too, as chosen people of God being led to a Promised Land.
At the table, they acknowledged "God's good providence" and "blessed the God of Heaven who brought us over the furious ocean." For "what could sustain us but the Spirit of God and His grace?" asked Bradford. He then quoted Moses, "Our fathers cried unto Him and He heard their voice and looked on their adversity"

Deu 26:7 And when we cried unto the LORD God of our fathers, the LORD heard our voice, and looked on our affliction, and our labour, and our oppression:

In addition to proclaiming a day of thanksgiving, like the ancient Hebrews did before them, Bradford and his people also praised God's loving kindness, "Give thanks to the Lord for He is good, for His kindness endures forever".

Psa 106:1 Praise ye the LORD. O give thanks unto the LORD; for [he is] good: for his mercy [endureth] for ever.

The Feast of Tabernacles
The Feast of Tabernacles is a week-long autumn harvest festival it is also known as the Feast of the Ingathering, Feast of the Booths, Sukkoth, Succoth, or Sukkot (variations in spellings occur because these words are transliterations of the Hebrew word pronounced “Sue-coat”). The two days following the festival are separate holidays, Shemini Atzeret and Simkhat Torah, but are commonly thought of as part of the Feast of Tabernacles.

The Feast of Tabernacles was the final and most important holiday of the year. The Feast of Tabernacles begins five days after Yom Kippur on the fifteenth of Tishri (September or October). It is a drastic change from one of the most solemn holidays in the year to one of the most joyous. The word Sukkoth means “booths,” and refers to the temporary dwellings that Jews are commanded to live in during this holiday. The Feast of Tabernacles lasts for eight days and ends on the twenty-first day (3x7) of the Hebrew month of Tishri, which is Israel’s seventh month.

The Feast of the Tabernacles or Sukkoth has been celebrated for over 3000 years. Sukkoth is named for the huts (succots) that Moses and the Israelites lived in as they wandered the desert for 40 years before they reached the Promised Land. These huts were made of branches and were easy to assemble, take apart, and carry as the Israelites wandered through the desert.

When celebrating Sukkoth, the Jewish people build small huts of branches which recall the tabernacles of their ancestors. These huts are constructed as temporary shelters, as the branches are not driven into the ground and the roof is covered with foliage which is spaced to let the light in. Inside the huts are hung fruits and vegetables, including apples, grapes, corn, and pomegranates. On the first 2 nights of Sukkoth the families eat their meals in the huts under the evening sky.

This holiday has a dual significance: historical and agricultural (just as Passover and Pentecost).

Historically, it was to be kept in remembrance of the dwelling in tents in the wilderness for the forty-year period during which the children of Israel were wandering in the desert. What were they to remember? The meanness of their beginning, and the low and desolate state out of which God advanced that people. The mercy of God to them, that, when they dwelt in tabernacles, God not only set up a tabernacle for Himself among them, but, with the utmost care and tenderness imaginable, hung a canopy over them, even the cloud that sheltered them from the heat of the sun.

Agricultural, they were to keep this holiday in thankfulness to God for all the increase of the year; however, the emphasis is that Israel’s life rested upon redemption which in its ultimate meaning is the forgiveness of sin. This fact separates this holiday from the harvest festivals of the neighboring nations whose roots lay in the mythological activity of the gods.

Was the first Thanksgiving a Feast of Tabernacles Celebration?
The Puritans, most of whom had Hebrew names, regarded themselves as the spiritual heirs of the Old Testament, In fact, there was even a proposal that Hebrew be made the official language of the Colonies, and John Cotton wanted to adopt the Mosiac Code as the basis for the laws of Massachusetts.Many Americans, upon seeing a decorated sukkoth for the first time, remark on how much the sukkoth (and the holiday generally) reminds them of Thanksgiving. The American Pilgrims, who originated the Thanksgiving holiday, were deeply religious people. As they were trying to find a way to express their thanks for their survival and for the harvest, they looked to the Bible for an appropriate way of celebrating and based their holiday in part on the Feast of Tabernacles.

Note: celebrating Thanksgiving on the third Thursday of November was established by the American government and most likely is not the day the pilgrim’s first observed

Our Nations first Thanksgivings
All of the early Thanksgiving celebrations had one thing in common. The thanksgiving was directed toward God. It did not matter that many had very hard times. The people knew that God was their creator and provider and that all good things ultimately came from Him.

Though it was not called Thanksgiving at the time, what we recognize as the first Thanksgiving feast was celebrated in 1621 by the pilgrims of the Plymouth colony along with about 90 Wampanoag Indians. The Pilgrims had suffered through a devastating winter in which nearly half their number died. After that winter Squanto and the Wampanoag Indians helped the pilgrims by teaching them how to hunt, plant crops, and gather food in the reign.
After the first harvest, Governor William Bradford proclaimed a day of thanksgiving and prayer to God. The food, which was eaten outdoors, included corn, geese, turkeys, ducks, eel, clams, leeks, plums, cod, bass, barley, venison and corn bread. The feast lasted 3 days. Though the exact date is unknown, the feast clearly took place in late autumn.
In the only surviving firsthand account of the meal, Edward Winslow describes it this way:
"Our harvest being gotten in, our governor sent four men on fowling, that so we might after a special manner rejoice together after we had gathered the fruit of our labors. They four in one day killed as much fowl as, with a little help beside, served the company almost a week. At which time, among other recreations, we exercised our arms, many of the Indians coming amongst us, and among the rest their greatest king Massasoit, with some ninety men, whom for three days we entertained and feasted, and they went out and killed five deer, which they brought to the plantation and bestowed upon our governor, and upon the captain, and others. And although it be not always so plentiful as it was at this time with us, yet by the goodness of God, we are so far from want that we often wish you partakers of our plenty."

In 1623, a period of drought was answered by colonists with a proclamation of prayer and fasting. This prayer and fasting was changed to another thanksgiving celebration when rains came during the prayers. Governor Bradford proclaimed a time for Pilgrims to gather and "listen to ye pastor and render thanksgiving to ye Almighty God for all His blessings."

The Pilgrims rejoiced about their survival in the new world and declared a time of thanksgiving in order to praise God "for his goodness and favour," (The First Thanksgiving Proclamation -- June 20, 1676).

Who were the Pilgrims?
The Pilgrims is a term used to describe the early settlers in America; these settlers were Christians seeking a land where they could worship God without persecution. The group consisted mainly of Puritans. There were some other groups but what they all had in common was they were all Christians that based their life on the Bible and whished to follow it to the letter. This had lead to many of them being persecuted in Europe, as the Catholic Church which does not follow the Bible to the letter, but rather merges Christianity with the pagan religions of the world in an effort to form a one world religion, was the dominating religion - very powerful and backed by law.

The Puritans came to America deeply rooted in the Hebraic tradition. Most bore Hebrew names. The Puritans wanted to abolish pagan religious ceremonies that had crept into the Roman Catholic church from Babylonianism..

As Leland Ryken wrote "Puritanism was impelled by the insight that all of life is God's. The Puritans lived simultaneously in two worlds-the invisible spiritual world and the physical world of earthly existence. For the Puritans, both worlds were equally real, and there was no cleavage of life into sacred and secular. All of life was sacred."

Just as the United States occupies a singular position in history as the only country founded as a democracy, it also has a unique status as the country most-influenced by the Bible in history. Well into the 18th century, America continued to be not only the land of opportunity for many people seeking a better life, but also the land of religious tolerance.

The Mayflower Compact
"In the name of God, Amen. We, whose names are underwritten, the Loyal Subjects of our dread Sovereign Lord, King James, by the Grace of God, of England, France and Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith, e&. Having undertaken for the Glory of God, and Advancement of the Christian Faith, and the Honour of our King and Country, a voyage to plant the first colony in the northern parts of Virginia; do by these presents, solemnly and mutually in the Presence of God and one of another, covenant and combine ourselves together into a civil Body Politick, for our better Ordering and Preservation, and Furtherance of the Ends aforesaid; And by Virtue hereof to enact, constitute, and frame, such just and equal Laws, Ordinances, Acts, Constitutions and Offices, from time to time, as shall be thought most meet and convenient for the General good of the Colony; unto which we promise all due submission and obedience. In Witness whereof we have hereunto subscribed our names at Cape Cod the eleventh of November, in the Reign of our Sovereign Lord, King James of England, France and Ireland, the eighteenth, and of Scotland the fifty-fourth. Anno Domini, 1620."

There followed the signatures of 41 of the 102 passengers, 37 of whom were Separatists fleeing religious persecution in Europe. This compact established the first basis in the new world for written laws

The majority of the earliest settlers were Puritans from England. Like their cousins back home, these American Puritans strongly identified with both the historical traditions and customs of the ancient Hebrews of the Old Testament.
Almost all of the early legislation of the colonies of New England was determined by Scripture. These settlers found themselves in a New World which had no existing laws or government. Their first task, therefore, was to create a legal framework for their communities and the first place they looked for guidance was the Hebrew Bible. Thus most of the early legislation of the colonies of New England was determined by Scripture. The most extreme example was the Connecticut Code of 1650 which created a form of fundamentalist government based almost entirely on Mosaic law usingnumerous citations from the Bible. The same held true for the code of New Haven and many other colonies.
At the first assembly of New Haven in 1639, John Davenport clearly declared the primacy of the Bible as the legal and moral foundation of the colony: "Scriptures do hold forth a perfect rule for the direction and government of all men in all duties which they are to perform to God and men as well as in the government of families and commonwealth as in matters of the church ... the Word of God shall be the only rule to be attended unto in organizing the affairs of government in this plantation." Puritan belief in the Bible led them to try and incorporate many aspects of the Jewish commandments into their lifestyle based on their literal interpretation of Hebraic laws. One of the most significant was the concept of the Sabbath as a day of rest and meditation. Puritan Sabbath observance began at sundown and no work of any kind, even household chores, was allowed for the next 24-hours. Sabbath observance was strictly monitored by local officials.They put great stress on sola scriptura (Scripture as the soul and final authority of the Christian). The consequent de-emphasis on tradition brought with it a return to the biblical roots. Accordingly the pilgrims recognized the importance of once again emphasizing the Hebraic heritage of the Church.

The First Thanksgiving Story
We can hardly imagine the burdens they endured to make a new life for themselves in a new land. Their turning point began one Friday in the middle of March,1621.

Samoset
An Indian, wearing nothing but a leather loincloth, strode up their main street to the common house, and to their startled faces boomed in flawless English, "Welcome."
His name was Samoset, a sagamore (or chief) of the Algonquins. He had been visiting the area for the previous eight months, having learned his English from various fishing captains who had put in to the Maine shore over the years.
He returned the following Thursday with another Indian who also spoke English, and who was to prove "a special instrument of God for their good, beyond their expectation." His story was to prove no less extraordinary than the saga of Joseph being sold into slavery to Egypt. His name was Tisquantum, also called Squanto.

Squanto
His story began in 1605 when Squanto and four other Indians were taken captive, sent to England, and taught English to provide intelligence background on the most favorable places to establish colonies. After nine years in England, Squanto was able to return to Plymouth on Capt. John Smith's voyage in 1614. Lured and captured by a notorious Capt. Thomas Hunt, he, with 27 others, were taken to Málaga, Spain, a major slave-trading port. Squanto, with a few others, were bought and rescued by local friars and introduced to the Christian faith. Thus, it appears that God was preparing him for the role he would ultimately play at Plymouth.

He was able to attach himself to an Englishman bound for London, then he joined the family of a wealthy merchant, and ultimately embarked for New England in 1619. He stepped ashore six months before the Pilgrims landed in 1620. When he stepped ashore he received the most tragic blow of his life. Not a man, woman, or child of his own tribe was left alive! During the previous four years, a mysterious plague had broken out among them, killing every last one. So complete was the devastation that the neighboring tribes had shunned the area ever since. The Pilgrims had settled in a cleared area that belonged to no one. Their nearest neighbors, the Wampanoags, were about 50 miles to the southwest.

Stripped of his identity and his reason for living, Squanto wandered aimlessly until he joined the Wampanoags, having nowhere else to go. But God had other plans.

God's Provision
Massasoit, the sachem (or chief) of the Wapanoags, entered into a peace treaty of mutual aid with the Plymouth colony that was to last as a model for forty years. When Massasoit and his entourage left, Squanto stayed. He had found his reason for living: these English were helpless in the ways of the wilderness. Squanto taught them how to catch eels, stalk deer, plant pumpkins, refine maple syrup, discern both edible herbs and those good for medicine, etc.

Perhaps the most important thing he taught them was the Indian way to plant corn. They hoed six-foot squares in toward the center, putting down four or five kernels, and then fertilizing the corn with fish: three fish in each square, pointing to the center, spokelike. Guarding the field against the wolves (who would try to steal the fish), by summer they had 20 full acres of corn that would save every one of their lives.

Squanto also taught them to exploit the pelts of the beaver, which was in plentiful supply and in great demand throughout Europe. He even guided the trading to insure they got full prices for top-quality pelts. The corn was their physical deliverance; the beaver pelts would be their economic deliverance.

The First Thanksgiving
The Pilgrims were a grateful people-grateful to God, grateful to the Wamp-anoags, and grateful also to Squanto. Governor Bradford declared a day of public Thanksgiving. Massasoit was invited and unexpectedly arrived a day early-with an additional ninety Indians! To feed such a crowd would cut deeply into their stores for the winter, but they had learned through all their travails that God could be trusted implicitly.

It turned out that the Indians did not come empty handed: they brought five dressed deer and more than a dozen fat wild turkeys. They helped with the preparations, teaching the Pilgrim women how to make hoecakes and a tasty pudding out of cornmeal and maple syrup. In fact, they also showed them how to make one of their Indian favorites: white, fluffy popcorn! (Each time you go to a movie theatre, you should remember the source of this popular treat!)

The Pilgrims, in turn, provided many vegetables from their gardens: carrots, onions, turnips, parsnips, cucumbers, radishes, beets, and cabbages. Also, using some of their precious flour with some of the summer fruits which the Indians had dried, the Pilgrims introduced them to blueberry, apple, and cherry pie. Along with sweet wine made from wild grapes, it was, indeed, a joyous occasion for all concerned.

The Pilgrims and Indians happily competed in shooting contests, foot races, and wrestling. Things went so well (and Massasoit showed no inclination to leave) that this first Thanksgiving was extended for three days.

The moment that stood out the most in the Pilgrims' memories was William Brewster's prayer as they began the festival. They had so much for which to thank God: for providing all their needs-and His provision of Squanto, their teacher, guide, and friend that was to see them through those critical early winters.

A National Institution
By the end of the 19th century, Thanksgiving Day had become an institution throughout New England. It was officially proclaimed as a national holiday by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863. Traditionally celebrated on the last Thursday in November, it was changed by an act of Congress in 1941 to the fourth Thursday of that month.
Originally observed to acknowledge the provision of God, let us also make this national holiday a very special time to thank Him for our own provision-our families, our sustenance, and, above all, our redemption in His Son!
Let's also pray that He might restore the religious freedom that those early Pilgrims cherished so dearly-and that the current enforced paganism that has invaded our land be curtailed. This country is now becoming what the Pilgrims had risked their very lives to flee from.

References

Sivan, Gabriel, The Bible and Civilization, Jerusalem: Keter Publishing House, 1973, p. 236. Katsh, Abraham I., The Biblical Heritage of American Democracy, New York: Ktav Publishing House, Inc., 1977, Chapter 3 & 5.
Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein, "How Firm a Foundation - A Gift of Jewish Wisdom for Christians and Jews," pg. 93Leland Ryken, Worldly Saints: The Puritans As They Really Were (Zondervan, 1986)
Marvin Wilson, Our Father Abraham (pp. 127-128):
The Light and the Glory, Peter Marshall and David Manuel, Fleming H. Revell Co., Old Tappan, NJ, 1977

Thanksgiving a National Holiday
1782 Continental Congress Proclamation
STATE OF NEW-HAMPSHIRE. IN COMMITTEE of SAFETY, EXETER, November 1, 1782.
ORDERED,
THAT the following Proclamation for a general THANKSGIVING on the twenty-eighth day of November [instant?], received from the honorable Continental Congress, be forthwith printed, and sent to the several worshipping Assemblies in this State, to whom it is recommended religiously to observe said day, and to abstain from all servile labour thereon.
M. WEARE, President. By the United States in Congress assembled.
PROCLAMATION. IT being the indispensable duty of all Nations, not only to offer up their supplications to ALMIGHTY GOD, the giver of all good, for his gracious assistance in a time of distress, but also in a solemn and public manner to give him praise for his goodness in general, and especially for great and signal interpositions of his providence in their behalf: Therefore the United States in Congress assembled, taking into their consideration the many instances of divine goodness to these States, in the course of the important conflict in which they have been so long engaged; the present happy and promising state of public affairs; and the events of the war, in the course of the year now drawing to a close; particularly the harmony of the public Councils, which is so necessary to the success of the public cause; the perfect union and good understanding which has hitherto subsisted between them and their Allies, notwithstanding the artful and unwearied attempts of the common enemy to divide them; the success of the arms of the United States, and those of their Allies, and the acknowledgment of their independence by another European power, whose friendship and commerce must be of great and lasting advantage to these States: ----- Do hereby recommend to the inhabitants of these States in general, to observe, and request the several States to interpose their authority in appointing and commanding the observation of THURSDAY the twenty-eight day of NOVEMBER next, as a day of solemn THANKSGIVING to GOD for all his mercies: and they do further recommend to all ranks, to testify to their gratitude to GOD for his goodness, by a cheerful obedience of his laws, and by promoting, each in his station, and by his influence, the practice of true and undefiled religion, which is the great foundation of public prosperity and national happiness.
Done in Congress, at Philadelphia, the eleventh day of October, in the year of our LORD one thousand seven hundred and eighty-two, and of our Sovereignty and Independence, the seventh.
JOHN HANSON, President. Charles Thomson, Secretary. PRINTED AT EXETER.

Thanksgiving took different forms in colonial America. It wasn't until George Washington, the republic's first president, proclaimed Nov. 26, 1789, as a day for thanking God for bringing America through its trials, that an official holiday was marked.
Washington, too, was a student of the Hebrew Scriptures. He believed with all his heart that America would be blessed only if it acknowledged the source of all blessings.

Washington's 1789 Thanksgiving Proclamation
Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor; and Whereas both Houses of Congress have, by their joint committee, requested me "to recommend to the people of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness:"
Now, therefore, I do recommend and assign Thursday, the 26th day of November next, to be devoted by the people of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being who is the beneficent author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be; that we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for His kind care and protection of the people of this country previous to their becoming a nation; for the signal and manifold mercies and the favorable interpositions of His providence in the course and conclusion of the late war; for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty which we have since enjoyed; for the peaceable and rational manner in which we have been enable to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national one now lately instituted' for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed, and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and, in general, for all the great and various favors which He has been pleased to confer upon us.
And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech Him to pardon our national and other transgressions; to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually; to render our National Government a blessing to all the people by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed; to protect and guide all sovereigns and nations (especially such as have show kindness to us), and to bless them with good governments, peace, and concord; to promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and us; and, generally to grant unto all mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as He alone knows to be best.
Given under my hand, at the city of New York, the 3d dy of October, A.D. 1789.
(signed) G. Washington

Abraham Lincoln's Thanksgiving Proclamation
The year that is drawing towards its close, has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature, that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever watchful providence of Almighty God. In the midst of a civil war of unequalled magnitude and severity, which has sometimes seemed to foreign States to invite and to provoke their aggression, peace has been preserved with all nations, order has been maintained, the laws have been respected and obeyed, and harmony has prevailed everywhere except in the theatre of military conflict; while that theatre has been greatly contracted by the advancing armies and navies of the Union. Needful diversions of wealth and of strength from the fields of peaceful industry to the national defence, have not arrested the plough, the shuttle, or the ship; the axe had enlarged the borders of our settlements, and the mines, as well of iron and coal as of the precious metals, have yielded even more abundantly than heretofore. Population has steadily increased, notwithstanding the waste that has been made in the camp, the siege and the battle-field; and the country, rejoicing in the consciousness of augmented strength and vigor, is permitted to expect continuance of years with large increase of freedom. No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy. It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and voice by the whole American People. I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens. And I recommend to them that while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings, they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to his tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquillity and Union.

Since Abraham Lincoln's proclamation, it has been a custom that all presidents of the United States make Thanksgiving proclamations every year. One of George W. Bush's proclamations came just two months after the September 11 tragedy. He stated that in thankfulness and humility, we acknowledge, especially now, our dependence on One greater than ourselves. While it is a far cry from the Pilgrims’ first Thanksgivings, the first congresses and our founding father’s public Christian beliefs and Bible based laws. Even today our government recognizes Thanksgiving as a day to give thanks to God. I am thankful for God’s influence on our National Heritage and Pray that this country may once again be lead by a government of Christians that base all laws on the Bible.

November 16, 2001
Thanksgiving Day ProclamationBy the President of the United States of America
A ProclamationNearly half a century ago, President Dwight Eisenhower proclaimed Thanksgiving as a time when Americans should celebrate "the plentiful yield of our soil . . . the beauty of our land . . . the preservation of those ideals of liberty and justice that form the basis of our national life, and the hope of international peace." Now, in the painful aftermath of the September 11 attacks and in the midst of our resolute war on terrorism, President Eisenhower's hopeful words point us to our collective obligation to defend the enduring principles of freedom that form the foundation of our Republic.During these extraordinary times, we find particular assurance from our Thanksgiving tradition, which reminds us that we, as a people and individually, always have reason to hope and trust in God, despite great adversity. In 1621 in New England, the Pilgrims gave thanks to God, in whom they placed their hope, even though a bitter winter had taken many of their brethren. In the winter of 1777, General George Washington and his army, having just suffered great misfortune, stopped near Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, to give thanks to God. And there, in the throes of great difficulty, they found the hope they needed to persevere. That hope in freedom eventually inspired them to victory.In 1789, President Washington, recollecting the countless blessings for which our new Nation should give thanks, declared the first National Day of Thanksgiving. And decades later, with the Nation embroiled in a bloody civil war, President Abraham Lincoln revived what is now an annual tradition of issuing a presidential proclamation of Thanksgiving. President Lincoln asked God to "heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquillity, and Union."
As we recover from the terrible tragedies of September 11, Americans of every belief and heritage give thanks to God for the many blessings we enjoy as a free, faithful, and fair-minded land. Let us particularly give thanks for the self-less sacrifices of those who responded in service to others after the terrorist attacks, setting aside their own safety as they reached out to help their neighbors. Let us also give thanks for our leaders at every level who have planned and coordinated the myriad of responses needed to address this unprecedented national crisis. And let us give thanks for the millions of people of faith who have opened their hearts to those in need with love and prayer, bringing us a deeper unity and stronger resolve.In thankfulness and humility, we acknowledge, especially now, our dependence on One greater than ourselves. On this day of Thanksgiving, let our thanksgiving be revealed in the compassionate support we render to our fellow citizens who are grieving unimaginable loss; and let us reach out with care to those in need of food, shelter, and words of hope. May Almighty God, who is our refuge and our strength in this time of trouble, watch over our homeland, protect us, and grant us patience, resolve, and wisdom in all that is to come.NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim Thursday, November 22, 2001, as a National Day of Thanksgiving. I encourage Americans to assemble in their homes, places of worship, or community centers to reinforce ties of family and community, express our profound thanks for the many blessings we enjoy, and reach out in true gratitude and friendship to our friends around the world.IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this sixteenth day of November, in the year of our Lord two thousand one, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-sixth.GEORGE W. BUSH

What does the Bible say?
Below is an outline and study guide covering what the Bible says about giving thanks to God. I have provided only the links to versus to save space. Please follow the links and read the verses.

1Th 5:16-18
Rejoice evermore.
Pray without ceasing.
In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

1. Gratitude is an attitude: a personal quality that molds us and shapes our lives – not just something we do or say.
A. In the Old Testament, "sacrifices" of thanksgiving and praise were offered.
Lev 7:12-13,15; Lev 22:29; 2Ch 29:31; 2Ch 33:16; Psa 50:23 Psa 56:12; Psa 116:17; Jer 17:26
B. Some were even "appointed" to the office of giving thanks – indicating its great importance
1Ch 16:4; 1Ch 16:41; 2Ch 20:21; 2Ch 31:2
C. In the New Testament, "the fruit of our lips" is a type of offering or sacrifice to God.
Hbr 13:15
D. God desires genuine gratefulness: from the heart.
Psa 54:6; Psa 9:1; Psa 86:12; Psa 138:1; Luk 18:9-14
2. God commands us to be thankful.
Psa 50:14; Psa 97:12; Psa 100:4; Psa 105:1; Psa 106:1; Psa 107:1; Psa 136:1-3,26; Eph 5:3- 4,19-20; Col 1:12; Col 2:6-7; Col 3:15-17; Col 4:2; Phl 4:6; 1Th 5:18; 1Ti 2:1
A. Every gospel depicts Jesus, who is our example, giving God thanks.
Mat 11:25-26; Mat 15:36; Mat 26:27-28; Mar 14:23; Luk 22:17,19; Jhn 6:11,23; Jhn 11:41
B. Daniel was obedient to be thankful even when forbidden by the authorities.
Dan 6:7-10
C. It is "good" for us.
Psa 92:1
i. It is a mighty tool in ushering us into the Presence of God.
2Ch 5:12-13; Psa 95:2; Psa 100:4; Psa 140:1
ii. It causes us to abound in the faith.
Col 2:7
iii. It yields the peace of God in our hearts and minds.
Phl 4:6-7
D. It honors and magnifies God.
Psa 50:23; Psa 69:30
E. It is God's will.
1Th 5:18
F. It is a good spiritual indicator of our spiritual condition.
i. The wicked are ungrateful
Rom 1:21
ii. But "the righteous shall give thanks”
Psa 140:1
3. How should we give thanks?
A. Audibly: with our voice, not just in our thoughts.
Psa 34:1; Psa 35:28; Psa 71:8; Psa 109:30; Hbr 13:15; Isa 5:3; Jer 30:19
i. In verbal testimony.
1Ch 16:8; Psa 9:1; Psa 26:7; Psa 105:1-2; Psa 107:22; Luk 2:38; Luk 17:12-18
ii. In music.
1Ch 16:7; 2Ch 5:12-13
a). With song.
2Sa 22:50; Neh 12:8,27,46; Psa 28:7; Psa 95:2; Isa 51:3
b). With musical instruments.
Neh 12:17; Psa 33:2; Psa 147:7
iii. With prayer.
Neh 11:17; Eph 1:16; Phl 4:6; Col 1:3; Col 4:2; 1Th 1:2; 1Ti 2:1; 2Ti 1:3; Phm 1:4
iv. With shouts of joy.
Psa 100:1; Jer 30:19
B. Publicly.
i. Among the nations (heathen).
Psa 18:49; Psa 57:9; Psa 108:3
ii. In the company of God's people.
1Ch 16:4,7; 1Ch 23:30; 2Ch 31:2; Psa 11:1; Psa 22:22,25; Psa 35:18; Psa 42:4; Psa 52:9; Psa 105:1-2; Psa 109:30; Psa 111:1 Act 27:35; 1Cr 14:14-17
C. Privately, at home.
Dan 2:23; Dan 6:10
4. When should we give thanks?
A. In every circumstance.
Eph 1:16; Eph 5:20; Phl 4:6,11; 1Th 1:2-3; 1Th 5:18; 2Th 1:3; 2Th 2:13
B. While entering his presence.
Psa 95:2; Psa 100:4
C. Continually; habitually.
Eph 1:16; Eph 5:20; Phm 1:4; 1Th 1:2; 2Ti 1:3; Hbr 13:15; Psa 34:1; Psa 35:28; Psa 71:8
i. Even in the middle of the night.
Psa 119:62
ii. Three times a day.
Dan 6:10
iii. Every morning and every evening.
1Ch 23:30
5. For what should we give thanks?
A. For victory.
Psa 18:47-49; 1Cr 15:57; 2Cr 2:14
i. Over sin.
Rom 7:23-25
ii. Over death and the grave.
1Cr 15:7
B. For his goodness and mercy (forgiveness).
1Ch 16:34-35,41; Ezr 3:11; Psa 54:6; Psa 100:4-5; Psa 106:1; Psa 107:1,8,15,21,31; Psa 118:1,28-29; Psa 136:1-3; Isa 12:1; Jer 33:11
C. For his protection.
2Sa 22:49
D. For his holiness and faithfulness.
Psa 30:4; Psa 97:12; Isa 25:1
E. For the wonders of creation and life.
Psa 139:14
F. For his truth, his righteous ordinances and judgments.
Psa 119:7,62; Psa 138:1-2
G. For food, drink and other provisions.
Mat 15:36; Mar 14:23; Luk 22:17,19; Jhn 6:11,23; Act 27:35; Rom 14:16; 1Cr 10:30; 1Cr 11:24; 2Cr 9:11-12; 1Ti 4:3-4
H. For healing.
Luk 17:12-18
I. For the evidence of God at work in the lives of God's people.
Psa 109:30-31; 1Cr 1:4; 1Th 1:2-3; 2Th 2:13; Eph 1:16; Phl 1:3; Col 1:3; 1Ti 1:3; Phm 1:4
i. For their zeal.
2Cr 8:16
ii. For their love and growing faith.
2Th 1:3
iii. For their generosity in donating toward the work of God.
1Ch 29:6-14
iv. For their acceptance of truth and obedience to the teaching.
1Th 2:13; Rom 6:17
v. For the proclamation of their faith into all the world.
Rom 1:8
J. For spiritual gifts (i.e., speaking in tongues) and ministry.
1Cr 14:18; 1Ti 1:12
K. For salvation and conversion of the unsaved.
1Cr 9:15; Rom 6:17; 2Th 2:13
L. For wisdom and power.
Dan 2:23
M. For answered prayer.
Jhn 11:41
N. For everything.
2Cr 9:11; Eph 5:20
O. For all men.
1Ti 2:1
P. For the preciousness of God's presence.
Psa 75:1
6. The secret of maintaining a grateful heart is contentment.
A. Thank him daily.
Psa 68:19
B. Thank him no matter what happens.
Phl 4:11; 1Ti 6:6,8; Hbr 13:5
7. This is what we will be doing "forever" in eternity
Psa 30:12; Psa 44:8; Psa 45:17; Psa 52:9; Psa 79:13
A. even as the angels and 420 elders in heaven
Rev 4:9; Rev 7:11-12; Rev 11:16-17