Each fourth Thursday of November is Thanksgiving in the United States. This federal holiday was established relatively recently in our nation’s history – an act of Congress signed by President Roosevelt in 1941. I do not think it is an accident or coincidence that the establishment of a nationally recognized day of Thanksgiving came only a few weeks after America was attacked at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. But the tradition of Thanksgiving goes back much further than that in America. Back to the almost mythical story of the Pilgrims’ feast with the Wampanoag in what is now Massachusetts, to the First National Proclamation of Thanksgiving in 1777, to President Lincoln's proclamation in 1863, Thanksgiving has been a part of the American story

And it should be! There is nothing peculiarly “American” about Thanksgiving, but it is an opportunity for us to remember all for which we have to be thankful. More importantly, as followers of the Lord Jesus Christ, we must remember to whom we must be thankful. The Bible reminds us that it is the Lord who made us, and we are His people (Psalm 100:3). Every good gift comes from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change (James 1:17). Our daily lives are so busy that we often forget to be thankful for the many blessings we have – the very air we breathe, the sun in the sky, the family and friends surrounding us, and the freedom we enjoy. Enjoy your time with your loved ones and feast to your heart’s content!

Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples!
(1 Chronicles 16:8)

Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!
(1 Chronicles 16:34)

So today, as you enjoy your Thanksgiving meal and fellowship around the table, remember to give thanks to the One who has made it all possible. Remember to give thanks to the One who has given the greatest gift we could ever ask for: the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.