A Day Of Solemn Thanksgiving And Praise

In today’s America, the Thanksgiving holiday has been diminished by most worldly appearances, and God has been removed in the process when, at one time, He was the focus. For many, Thanksgiving has been reduced to gluttony, relaxation, and sports.

Generally, not only are we a country that no longer reveres the sacrifices of those who established the land of the free and home of the brave, but more importantly, we’re a country that no longer rightly gives thanks to the One who deserves it above all else, our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

Deuteronomy 8:10 When thou hast eaten and art full, then thou shalt bless the Lord thy God for the good land which he hath given thee.

Long before the national holiday of Thanksgiving was established in the month of November, men and women gathered on a warm day on June 20, 1676, to give thanks to the One who they praised, worshiped, and glorified.

Regardless of whether or not the founders of Thanksgiving were having the toughest year of their lives or received remarkable blessings from above, they made sure that a day of solemn thanksgiving would be dedicated to Our Lord and Creator, displaying the gratefulness of their hearts.

1 Chronicles 16:34 O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever.

Here is a partial quote from the first Thanksgiving day proclamation on American soil from 1676, “…by the mercies of God we may all, even this whole people offer up our bodies and souls as a living and acceptable Service unto God by Jesus Christ.”

To read the entire proclamation, click here: The First Thanksgiving Proclamation June 20, 1676

First and foremost, the first Thanksgiving day was about Jesus Christ. They gave thanks to the One who gives us breath and life.

Let us pray for the rebirth of a nation full of humble souls who recognize their need for the Lord Jesus Christ to be the center of their lives, just like those who proclaimed the first Thanksgiving day on our American land.

So, on this most solemn day, may we put Jesus Christ first in our hearts and minds, giving Him all the thanks and praise above all the other gifts, idols, and worldly distractions. The Lord our God has given us life, saved us from destruction, and loves us forevermore.

After all, when it’s all said and done, we know in our spirit-filled hearts that Jesus deserves our thanksgiving not only on this day–but every day.

Happy Thanksgiving, brothers and sisters in Christ!

Psalm 69:30 I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving.