“ THANKSGIVING”
In America the first
thanksgiving was celebrated by Pilgrims, new settlers with native Indians
Wampanoag at Plymouth, Massachusettes in
1621. Some historians argue that the first celebration of Thanksgiving was in
Florida. Some Spanish people came to America in 1565. They, 800 Spanish people,
celebrated and shared a festive meal
with native people named Timucuan. This message will not be emphasis upon where Thanksgiving was started.
In the Bible the First Thanksgiving was
celebrated by Cain and Able, the sons of Adam and Eve. Cain was a farmer and
Abel was a shepherd. Cain offered the fruits of the ground to God. Abel offered the first born of his flocks and
of their fat portions. The LORD looked
with favor on Abel. Cain was angry and his face was downcast. ( Genesis 4:4)
Cain brought Abel to field, then he
attacked and killed him.
Let
us compare between Thanksgiving of very first settlers in America and
Thanksgiving of Cain- Abel in the Bible.
Both
celebrations have the same purpose that was to give thanks to God with
GRATITUDE for His blessings. There was
one different fact between these two matters – ATTITUDE. There was positive
attitude among the new settlers and native Indians. Therefore their
Thanksgiving feast lasted three days in Plymouth. In Cain- Abel story , negative attitude was
in Cain – angry and attack. It leaded him into sin.
What is Thanksgiving? In my point of view, the
word “ Thanksgiving” has two meanings;
“Thanks” and “ giving”. Thanks
to the ONE (God) who is giving. In
dictionary this word was defined , “ The expression of gratitude, especially to God”.
How to express our gratitude to God? In
Psalm 9:1 ; “ I will give thanks to the LORD with all my heart, I will
tell of your wonderful deeds.” This is
the best way to give gratitude to God. Whilst we are sharing food and
telling His wonderful deeds, we give
thanks to Him with all our hearts. He will be satisfied and accepted our
gratitude of Thanksgiving. In the season of Thanksgiving, may you all have
blessings from God.
Jujulay. (
22 November 2018 )
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