The Thanksgiving Holiday and its meaning have been traditionally associated with the Pilgrims. However, according to USNews.com, Thanksgiving became an official holiday when our then President, Abraham Lincoln, proclaimed:
“The year that is drawing toward its close has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften the heart which is habitually insensible to the everwatchful providence of almighty God.” ~Abraham Lincoln
We can be encouraged that God was truly part of the original intent of our traditional United States Thanksgiving holiday. Is God in our present day celebration? Does your family celebrate this day of thankfulness? Is God invited into your home during the Thanksgiving holiday? Please share your thoughts on how to bring faith into Thanksgiving or how you currently bring faith into your celebration.
As an example, a St. Paul member had heard of a family that uses a tablecloth and permanent fabric markers. Family members are encouraged each year to write (yes, write!) what they are thankful for from the current year onto the tablecloth. Each year, the tablecloth is brought back out to review past blessings and add more. What a great way to thank God!
How do you put Christ at the center of your Thanksgiving celebration? We'd love to know! Please write us and share a one-time memory or recurring tradition. In this way, other families can share and connect with you and gather more ideas in order to encourage more faith at home.
