We always have so much to be thankful for, but this day of the year is a special time to reminisce on all that God has done for us in the past year (and years). This year we have gained more of an understanding on why we celebrate Thanksgiving, how it was started, and of the faithful people we hold it in remembrance.
The pilgrims had almost nothing the first year they celebrated Thanksgiving, but they knew God would provide for them and their needs. This first Thanksgiving was after the hard winter of 1620-21, in which many of the pilgrims died. Even when they were given the opportunity to return to England, they decided to press on, because the freedom to worship God was more important than life. They decided to celebrate Thanksgiving simply, but Massasoit, the Wampanoag Indian Chief sent ninety tribesmen to celebrate with them. These men hunted throughout that morning and the pilgrims had a much bigger Thanksgiving then they had ever imagined. Again, God provided for them. They had a vision for their families and for freedom to worship God Almighty.
Without their strength, determination, and trust in God, our country would not be where it is today. We are immensely grateful for our Christian heritage and God's blessings upon America. Although many don't follow Christ and seek to destroy what our country is established on, they cannot erase God's name. Gamailiel, the Jewish teacher and leader in Paul's day, said during the trial of Peter and his fellow apostles, "But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God" (Acts 5:39). No one can remove God's name and they cannot overthrow it, no matter how hard they try.
For this, we are always grateful, that no matter what, God's faithfulness is great, His mercies new every morning.
"Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise:
be thankful unto him, and bless his name."
(Psalm 100:4)
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