There are few holidays on the US calender which create more controversy than Thanksgiving. Was it a celebration of the whites over the Native Americans, as many Hollywood stars would have us think? Was it begun at Plymouth Plantation (Plymouth Mass in 1612)as the new settlers abandoned collectivism and discovered the motivational power of simple capitalistic rewards for your own hard work? They recorded their thanks to God for the provision He brought, but so many today want to point out we may not have survived without the aid of the Native Americans
Much later in our history (1863) President Lincoln offered a proclamation which is, by some, considered to be the establishment of the day as a national holiday - perhaps not officially a government-sponsored holiday yet, but one celebrated by the entire nation nonetheless. He said this: "I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens.
FDR declared the day a National Holiday on December 26, 1941. He also moved it away from the very last day of November so that retail sales could get a boost around Christmas. Yes - the date of the holiday was adjusted to boost the Commercialization of Christmas.
OK - so enough history. What do YOU plan on doing today? Please - be sure it includes at least a few moments of reflection upon the goodness and providence of God. He truly deserves our thanks. Today, and every day.
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