Thanksgiving began as a ‘feast of harvest’. Historically all feasts where celebrated by a nation of people who have their roots in the religious culture.  To be sure ‘Thanks is Given’ to the gods in remembrance of the ‘acts of deliverance and salvation’… from national disasters and plagues; or just the simplicity of a successful harvest.

Biblically, the Psalms is an outpouring of the ‘Heart of Thanksgiving’.  “Sing praises to the LORD, O you his saints, and give thanks to his holy name. For his anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.” (Psalms 30:4-5).  “I will praise the name of God with a song; I will magnify him with thanksgiving.” (Psalms 69:30).  “Then we thy people, the flock of thy pasture, will give thanks to thee for ever; from generation to generation we will recount thy praise.” (Psalms 79:13).  “Rejoice in the LORD, O you righteous, and give thanks to his holy name!” (Psalms 97:12).

The Reform of 1536 brought change to what was ‘Ninety-Five’ Church holidays; compounded upon the 52 Sunday requirement to attend church and forego work.  This took the number of Church holidays from 95 to 27.  Such a drastic shift in worship brought with it the appointment of special days— some of which were for ‘Fasting’ and others for ‘Thanksgiving’.  These proclamations were made by church leaders prior to The ‘Revolution’.  In America, state leaders took the part as political influences began to affect the issuance of Thanksgiving proclamations.  American History records President George Washington proclaiming November 26, 1789, as a day of public thanksgiving and prayer.  Then on December 26, 1941 President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s resolution provided a national Thanksgiving Day on the fourth Thursday of November; tho his motive would prove to be economics.

Even as the earliest tradition of Thanksgiving in America was a picture perfect Dinner with the full dressed Pilgrims seated around the long table with the turkey as the center of the meal; even then it was in Prayer and Thanksgiving for The Harvest.  Exactly when it evolved to where we now know it to be, complete with all the trimmings— Greens, Yams, Chitterlings, Cranberry Sauce, Banana Pudding; Pumpkin Pie vs. Sweet Potato Pie. Lest we forget the Football.  A day of Family… Home. 

“Forever on Thanksgiving Day the heart will find the pathway home.” (Wilbur D. Nesbit)

“In ordinary life we hardly realize that we receive a great deal more than we give, and that it is only with gratitude that life becomes rich.” (Dietrich Bonhoeffer)

“A thankful heart is not only the greatest virtue, but the parent of all the other virtues.” (Cicero)

“O Lord, who lends me life, lend me a heart replete with thankfulness.” (Shakespeare)

Alas, to see where this most important American Family Life experience has evolved into a commercially effected different meaning in time.  From all stores being closed into a movement from ’Thanksgiving Thursday’ into ‘Black Friday’.  Perhaps this can be found in WalMart.  From being a 24 hour operation, to being closed on Thanksgiving Day.  To opening at 12am Midnight into what became a ‘stand in long lines’ wait frenzy; to running through the doors when unlocked into the treasure hunt now known as ‘Black Friday’.  Into opening at 6:pm on Thanksgiving Day; into now being open all day on Thanksgiving.  And now to Black Friday being the ENTIRE MONTH of November.  Even the Church’s “Thanksgiving Day Worship” in it’s disappearance contributes to the lack of priority for the Presence of God in Giving Thanks on this Day.

And in 2024, who can even afford the cost of cooking the foods that make the year long wait for the smell and the tastes of… Home!   The Tradition that has provided so many Family Memories that prove the fact that you don’t miss your water until the well runs dry… and, is no longer there to give memories to the next generations.

“In everyone’s life, at some time, our inner fire goes out. It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being. We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit.”  (Albert Schweitzer)

“Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.” (Melody Beattie)

“That I may publish with the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all thy wondrous works.” (Psalms 26:7)

All inquiries by email: talk2therev@icloud.com. “Words of Life Study” Wednesdays on Zoom.  Noon & 6:30 pm CST. Join the Dialogue at my “Swellcast”.  At all times: https://SWELLCAST.com/therev.