Little known fact: the first North American “Thanksgiving” was actually celebrated in Canada, not the United States.
The celebration marked English explorer Martin Frobisher and his expeditionary crew’s safe arrival in what is now known as Newfoundland, in 1578. This was well ahead of the first U.S. celebration, in 1621, in Plymouth, MA.
Our Thanksgiving holiday is marked well ahead of the U.S. one, as well, being held in October rather than their late November celebration. In Europe they celebrate harvest festivals, but nothing specifically described as “thanksgiving.”
Part of what set (and continues to set) the ancient Jewish people apart were their holy days — days commemorating events, and intended as occasions to worship and thank God for His grace and favour. Our Thanksgiving is akin to this, setting us apart in some ways, as well.
Jesus, though, gave us a new perspective. He calls on us to pray without ceasing (Luke 18:1), to thank God always for our daily blessings.
Thanksgiving is an excellent occasion to remember the blessings of the past year, and to offer up some of our “first fruits” of the harvest to the Lord. But how many of us have sat around a thanksgiving table trying to come up with something specific we are thankful for in the last year?
I’m guilty of having inflicted this ritual on my family, but as the years have rolled past, I have come to realize that it’s the little blessings that we should be remembering. The little blessings that add up, and point us towards the greater ones: towards the Creator’s love, Jesus’ compassion, and the Holy Spirit’s companionship.
Thanksgiving is one day, but thanksgiving for all that God has done for us should be every day.
Perhaps we should consider our role as stewards of all that God has given us in the same light. Do we set aside a little time every day to thank God for the 24 hours we have received, as well as all our other gifts — health, family, clean and safe water and food, public education and more?
Do we set aside a little money every day to return to God some of what we have been given in the intellect, skills, and enthusiasm that has led us to our current job? Do we mark our “high holidays” with additional time for prayer, and larger financial offerings?
Thanksgiving is about more than pumpkin pie and turkey. Let’s dine heartily, but let us also bless God heartily, with hands, and voices; with time and prayer; and with worship and offerings.
