Thankful for a Day to Reflect
Psalm 111
Thanksgiving at its core stands for a day of giving thanks to Almighty God for His blessings.
Every year for Thanksgiving, the President of the United States gives an address to the nation. It's only fitting since our first President, George Washington, began the tradition of celebrating a day to give thanks to God for His blessings. At a time when the nation was looking for a reason to hope, here is former President George W. Bush's speech to America on the first Thanksgiving after the tragedy of September 11, 2001:
"Every Thanksgiving, we remember the story of the Pilgrims who came to America in search of religious freedom and a better life. Having arrived in the New World, these early settlers gave thanks to the Author of Life for granting them safe passage to this abundant land and protecting them through a bitter winter. Our Nation's first President, George Washington, stated in the first Thanksgiving proclamation that '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.' While in the midst of the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln revived the tradition of proclaiming a day of thanksgiving, asking God to heal our wounds and restore our country.
Today, as we look back on the beginnings of our democracy, Americans recall that we live in a land of many blessings where every person has the right to live, work, and worship in freedom. Our Nation is especially thankful for the brave men and women of our Armed Forces who protect these rights while setting aside their own comfort and safety. Their courage keeps us free, their sacrifice makes us grateful, and their character makes us proud. Especially during the holidays, our whole country keeps them and their families in our thoughts and prayers.
Americans are also mindful of the need to share our gifts with others, and our Nation is moved to compassionate action. We pay tribute to all caring citizens who reach out a helping hand and serve a cause larger than themselves.
On this day, let us all give thanks to God who blessed our Nation's first days and who blesses us today. May He continue to guide and watch over our families and our country always."
Thanksgiving is more than simply a day for feasting. It's more than a day off work to spend with family. Thanksgiving at its core stands for a day of giving thanks to Almighty God for His blessings and provisions in our personal lives, in the lives of those we know, and in our nation as a whole.
Our early forefathers realized that without the providential hand of God we would not be a nation. They knew that aside from God's blessing, this land would have perished in the Pilgrims' harsh winter of 1621. They recognized our complete dependence upon God in the establishment and growth of our land. For that reason, they set aside today to be a day of thanks and praise to God. As Christians, we recognize the thanksgiving due to God.
As you enjoy time with family and gathering around the dinner table, take a few minutes to thank God for His blessings. We've seen many things for which to be thankful over the past month, so lead your family in thanking God today for His blessings. Read Psalm 111 as a family and follow the psalmist's example in praising God.
Daily Bible Reading
Ezekiel 24-26 | 1 Peter 2
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