By Reverend J. Loren Russell, BA, MDiv.
I Chronicles 16:7-9 NKJV
“On that day David first delivered this psalm into the hand of Asaph and his brethren, to thank the LORD: Oh, give thanks to the LORD! Call upon His name; Make known His deeds among the peoples! Sing to Him, sing psalms to Him; Talk of all His wondrous works!”
Britanica.com says that “Americans generally believe that their Thanksgiving is modeled on a 1621 harvest feast shared by the English colonists (Pilgrims) of Plymouth and the Wampanoag people.”
I remember how I was introduced to this historic period in the history of this nation. It was back when I was in the fourth grade and cast as the pilgrim, Captain Miles Standish in a play that depicted that first day of celebration that we now call Thanksgiving.
This is the meal that is now traditionally shared at tables around the nation on the fourth Thursday of the month of November. Families gather to give thanks for the many blessings they have in their lives. Although the day was not specifically celebrated as a religious observance, it was founded on the historic and covenental tradition that goes back to early bibilical days. Since 1863, Thanksgiving is celebrated as a part of a mutually shared experience as United States citizens and sympathizers.
When the ark of the Lord had been placed in the city of David, David wrote a song that he gave to the musicians that they might incorporate into their music so that the people would give thanksgiving to God for all the blessings He had given to them.
Their thanksgivings were to be continuous and perpetual. Whenever they reflected on what the Lord had done for them and where He bought them from, they were to give thanks. That tradition of thanksgiving was carried on through the years.
Jesus, at the last supper, took bread, broke it, and gave thanks for it. He said that, as often as we break bread, we should likewise give thanks for what He has done for us.
Our national day of Thanksgiving is a continuation of that great day of thanksgiving. As often as we partake, we should remember the Lord, where he bought us from, what He bought us through, where He is taking us to. On this Thanksgiving, what will it take for you to recognize the real reason to be forever thankful?
Be Blessed +++
Rev. J. Loren Russell is an associate minister at both Goodwill and The Greater Universal Baptist Churches in the Bronx, President/CEO of The JLR Company for Church Financial &. Strategic Consulting, and hosts “Matters of Faith – The Radio Show” on Soul 1 Radio, Mondays 8:00 – 10:00 PM. Listen by phone” at 626-226-1448. Be sure to Friend “Matters of Faith” on Facebook and email us at mattersoffaith.mof@gmail.com. Order your copy of Matters of Faith: The Book at Book Blues.
Follow Us