President Abraham Lincoln created our national holiday in 1864, declaring a national day of “Thanksgiving and Praise to our Beneficent Father who dwelleth in the heavens.” Giving thanks has its roots in the Old Testament, when the Israelites present gifts of thanks at the temple. We have added all sorts of things into our national holiday, family reunions, special foods, football, and times for worship. Although it is a national holiday, it points to one of our most cherished Christian beliefs, that we should thank God! Giving thanks is one of the simplest acts of faith, but the discipline of giving thanks has profound impact on our days and lives. It can immediately change our attitudes, lifting them out of the hard moments we experience. Sunday we delve into ‘giving thanks’ and afterward celebrate our yearly Thanksgiving meal.
Thanksgiving
