The Meaning of Thanksgiving, part 1

Introduction

The holiday we know as Thanksgiving has an interesting history. Many are fairly familiar with the 1621 Pilgrim celebration, but it’s what we don’t know that is interesting. The Smithsonian Institute records several instances, both before and after Pilgrim arrival, of celebration and anticipation of harvest benefits, both Pilgrim and native American alike. The 1621 celebration, while best known, is likely not the origin for what we know. The 1621 celebration was all but void of any faith overtones except perhaps for “saying grace” over the meal, and was a 3-day party of games and alcohol, along with feasting. Then something changed.

In 1623, the Pilgrims at Plymouth Plantation, Massachusetts, held another day of Thanksgiving. As a drought was destroying their crops, colonists prayed and fasted for relief; the rains came a few days later. And not long after, Captain Miles Standish arrived with staples and news that a Dutch supply ship was on its way. Because of all this good fortune, colonists held a day of Thanksgiving and prayer on June 30. This 1623 festival appears to have been the origin of our Thanksgiving Day because it combined a religious and social celebration. — Smithsonian Institute, https://www.si.edu/spotlight/thanksgiving/history

As a holiday, Thanksgiving is deeply rooted in Christian faith.

This three-part series will explore Thanksgiving from a biblical point of view and connect it to our lives today

In the Bible thanksgiving is usually associated with meals and worship, but interestingly enough, thanksgiving—the act—is largely absent in the earliest parts of Scripture. It’s in Psalms when we begin to see thanksgiving take on a prominent place in the community of faith. Although the official act of thanksgiving was part of the Mosaic Law...

Leviticus 7:12 NASB 95

12 If he offers it by way of thanksgiving, then along with the sacrifice of thanksgiving he shall offer unleavened cakes mixed with oil, and unleavened wafers spread with oil, and cakes of well stirred fine flour mixed with oil.

…there is little seen until we get to the reign of King David.

Thanksgiving is a response

God’s deeds/actions

1 Chronicles 16:7–12 (NASB 95)

7 Then on that day David first assigned Asaph and his relatives to give thanks to the Lord. 8 Oh give thanks to the Lord, call upon His name; Make known His deeds among the peoples. 9 Sing to Him, sing praises to Him; Speak of all His wonders. 10 Glory in His holy name; Let the heart of those who seek the Lord be glad. 11 Seek the Lord and His strength; Seek His face continually. 12 Remember His wonderful deeds which He has done, His marvels and the judgments from His mouth,

God’s character/identity

1 Chronicles 16:25–32 (NASB 95)

25 For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; He also is to be feared above all gods. 26 For all the gods of the peoples are idols, But the Lord made the heavens. 27 Splendor and majesty are before Him, Strength and joy are in His place. 28 Ascribe to the Lord, O families of the peoples, Ascribe to the Lord glory and strength. 29 Ascribe to the Lord the glory due His name; Bring an offering, and come before Him; Worship the Lord in holy array. 30 Tremble before Him, all the earth; Indeed, the world is firmly established, it will not be moved. 31 Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice; And let them say among the nations, “The Lord reigns.” 32 Let the sea roar, and all it contains; Let the field exult, and all that is in it.

Conclusion