Thanksgiving Day

"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." --Abraham Lincoln



On this day of Thanksgiving, let us not forget to Whom our thanks belong.

A few years ago, I saw an episode of the now defunct Roseanne Barr television program that had Thanksgiving Day as it's theme. In it, Roseanne traveled back in time, via a dream sequence, to visit the first Thanksgiving.

When she learned first hand of the Pilgrim's lifestyle, she immediately began the task of bringing the Pilgrims into the 20th century by educatiing them on important matters such as modern feminism and a more modern attitude about sex. The program was so utterly disgusting I could not finish watching.

I do remember one line though. It haunts me to this day: "Why would you want to give thanks to some old guy sitting up in Heaven somewhere damning everybody?"

In more recent times, I picked up my son's American history textbook and read that Thanksgiving Day is a day set aside for giving thanks.

It did not say to Whom.

This is what Thanksgiving has become for many Americans. It is no longer a day in which we set aside some part of our busy day to reflect on all the things God gave us for which we are thankful.

In America, we have so much to be thankful for. For the most part, even the poorest among us have a roof over our heads, and shoes for our feet, and food in our bellies.

How many other countries around the world can say that? We are truly blessed.

But how long can we remain the most fortunate country on earth? How long will God continue to bless us when we, as a nation, refuse to acknowledge His sovereignty? Is there a limit to God's mercy? And if there is, aren't we coming dangerously close to experiencing God's judgement?

God said, "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." 2 Chronicles 7:14

On this National Day of Thanksgiving, take a few minutes to reflect and ponder on God's infinite grace and mercy, and yes, give thanks.

To God.

And give thanks to our soldiers who are fighting to keep us free, also.