In the United States, Thanksgiving has become a staple among many traditions that involve celebrating life, freedom, family, and friends. It is a national holiday that was firmly established by Congress on December 26, 1941. Since the day it was legislated, Americans have celebrated this holiday by gathering with family and friends to give thanks.

The earliest remnants of Thanksgiving was by some historical accounts established in 1621, when Plymouth settlers (also known as Pilgrims) celebrated a successful season of harvest by having what was known as a ‘harvest feast.’ The Pilgrims celebrated at Plymouth for three days after their harvest.

In today’s time, Thanksgiving is not only an American event, but other countries celebrate the holiday as well. If we take a moment to think about all that we have, we can all find something to be thankful for. From the Biblical standpoint, there are verses that points to the concept of thanksgiving.

Psalm 7:17 “I will give thanks to the Lord because of his righteousness;
    I will sing the praises of the name of the Lord Most High.”

Psalm 9:1 “I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart;
    I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.”

Colossians 4:2 “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.“

Thanksgiving is more than just a designated holiday, and it is not just to be relegated to being thankful for food, shelter, friends, and family. All of these things are important, but God desires that we show thanksgiving to Him for all that He has done for us. The loving kindness of God the Father was shown to us by sending Jesus to die on the Cross at Calvary. Without the bloodshed of Jesus and His resurrection, humanity would be eternally lost due to the penalty of sin that we all owe.

The concept of thanksgiving is also not meant to be isolated to one day each year. Rather, we can and ought to give thanks every day because there is at least one thing that we can be thankful for. Even when life does not lend itself to provide everything that we want, there are many examples that we can look to with gratitude.

We should give thanks unto the Lord for His many blessings, and this starts with having a relationship with Jesus Christ. Do you know Jesus in the pardon of your sins? If not, you can receive eternal life through Christ by repenting of your sins, acknowledging the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus. Then, you actively turn from your sins and embrace the new life that the Lord gives.

Let each day be a day of thanks unto God for all that He has done and continues to do. We can also be thankful for what we have, and who we are connected to. Be thankful today, and every day because there are many things we can point to. Give thanks.