Next
Thursday is our national Holiday of Thanksgiving. The American tradition of
Thanksgiving as a time to focus on God and His blessings dates back about 400
years. The earliest celebration was probably in 1607 at Cape Henry, Virginia.
But our current holiday traces its history back to the Separatist Pilgrims. Before
I go into this important history here are a few Thanksgiving riddles:
Q.
Which side of the turkey has the most feathers?
A.
The outside.
Q.
If the Pilgrims were alive today what would they be famous for?
A.
Their age.Q. How can you make a turkey float?
A. You need 2 scoops of ice cream, root beer and a small turkey.
Q:
What sound does a space turkey make?
A: Hubble, Hubble, Hubble.
A: Hubble, Hubble, Hubble.
Q:
Why do the Pilgrim’s pants keep falling down?
A: Because their belt buckles are on their hats
A: Because their belt buckles are on their hats
Q:
What do you get if you divide the circumference of a pumpkin by its diameter?
A: Pumpkin pi.
A: Pumpkin pi.
Ok
– I know enough! So back to the history lesson.
The Separatists were English Christians who wanted to serve and worship God according to the Bible rather than the traditions of men. Persecuted in their home country of England they initially moved to Holland. But the culture in Holland was very ungodly. Through the grace of God the Separatists were given the opportunity to colonize the New World. So in 1620 they sailed to New England committed to building a community that would help future generations come to faith in Jesus Christ. William Bradford, the first Governor of Plymouth Colony, wrote of their dedication stating that they were willing to sacrifice their lives “even though they be but stepping stones for future generations of believers.”
The
Colonists arrived in the New World of America in November of 1620. Unprepared
for the harsh New England winter, nearly half of the Pilgrims died before
spring. Then early in 1621 they were offered the chance to return to England:
no one did. With confidence in God and by His grace through the help of the
Native Americans, the pilgrims learned to live and thrive in their new home. In
fact the Indian Chief Massasoit and almost his whole tribe became followers of
Christ and there was peace between the Pilgrims and the Native Americans for
almost 50 years. In December of 1621 the Governor declared a three day feast to
thank God for His many blessings and thus began America’s holiday of
Thanksgiving.
America
has strayed far from the biblical convictions of these early settlers. But we
shouldn’t point fingers at others. Rather we should ask ourselves “Am I
striving to live and promote biblical truth with the full energy of my convictions?”
To paraphrase Bradford, are we willing to make the sacrifices needed for future
generations to learn the truth about God, Jesus Christ and the coming kingdom?
I pray that we are. Make time this week to allow your heart to express
gratitude to God for His many blessings.
OK—one more riddle.
Q. What
do you get when you cross a turkey with a centipede?
A. A
drumstick for everyone.
Happy
Thanksgiving!
It was President Lincoln who made it an official, national holiday in the United States.
ReplyDeleteHis speech to dedicate the holiday is very powerful.
THANK YOU FATHER - For each new morning with its light,
ReplyDeleteFor rest and shelter of the night,
For health and food,
For Pastor Chuck and Grace Ministry,
For love and friends,
For everything Thy goodness sends.
GOD’S LOVE NEVER FAILS:(Psalm 136)
"Praise the LORD! He is good. God's love never fails.
Praise the God of all gods. God's love never fails.
Praise the Lord of lords. God's love never fails.
Only God works great miracles. God's love never fails.
With wisdom he made the sky. God's love never fails.
The Lord stretched the earth over the ocean. God's love never fails.
He made the bright lights in the sky. God's love never fails.
He lets the sun rule each day. God's love never fails.
He lets the moon and the stars rule each night. God's love never fails.
God struck down the first-born in every Egyptian family. God's love never fails.
He rescued Israel from Egypt. God's love never fails.
God used his great strength and his powerful arm. God's love never fails.
He split the Red Sea apart. God's love never fails.
The Lord brought Israel safely through the sea. God's love never fails.
He destroyed the Egyptian king and his army there. God's love never fails.
The Lord led his people through the desert. God's love never fails.
Our God defeated mighty kings. God's love never fails.
And he killed famous kings. God's love never fails.
One of them was Sihon, king of the Amorites. God's love never fails.
Another was King Og of Bashan. God's love never fails.
God took away their land. God's love never fails.
He gave their land to Israel, the people who serve him. God's love never fails.
God saw the trouble we were in. God's love never fails.
He rescued us from our enemies. God's love never fails.
He gives food to all who live. God's love never fails.
Praise God in heaven! God's love never fails."
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
Viv & Gill.
Thank you!
Delete