In 1621, the Plymouth colonists and Wampanoag Indians shared an autumn harvest feast which is acknowledged today as one of the first Thanksgiving celebrations in the colonies. Although this feast is considered by many to the very first Thanksgiving celebration, it was actually in keeping with a long tradition of celebrating the harvest and giving thanks for a successful bounty of crops.
Earlier on December 4, 1619, at a site near the Charles River, 38 British settlers led by Captain John Woodlief knelt in prayer and pledged “Thanksgiving” to God for their healthy arrival after a long voyage across the Atlantic. They declared, “Wee ordaine that the day of our ships arrival at the place assigned for plantacon in the land of Virginia shall be yearly and perpetually kept holy as a day of thanksgiving to Almighty God.”
The legacy of thanks, and particularly of the feast, have survived the centuries as people throughout the United States gather family, friends, and enormous amounts of food for the yearly Thanksgiving Day meal.
Historians aren't completely certain about the menu that first Thanksgiving, however, the two items that historians know for sure were on the menu are venison and wild fowl. This is a far cry from the pumpkin pie, mashed potatoes and other items that will grace the tables of households across America this coming week.
Yet, in the midst of the parades, sporting events and turkey revelry, a disturbing trend is growing that recently came to light. More than 49 million Americans –one in seven—struggled to get enough to eat in 2008. This is the highest total in 14 years of a federal survey on “food insecurity.” The number of Americans receiving food stamp assistance soaring above 36 million for the first time in August, the eighth month in a row that enrollment set a record. These numbers are expected to rise throughout 2009 due to the current recession and climbing unemployment rate.
These statistics point out two different thoughts to consider this Thanksgiving Day. The first is that Revelation 6:6 tells us that in the last days, cost of basic food items will escalate (A loaf of wheat bread or three loaves of barley will cost a day’s pay.) The further we go in these last days; we shouldn’t be surprised by inflationary prices. This is especially true in the light of our nations past and current fiscal policies. Creating money out of thin air will only see it one day evaporate.
Second, difficult times have always been moments for the Church to show forth the love of Christ. It starts by being sensitive to the needs of others and doing what you can no matter how small it may be. And above all, be thankful…truly grateful for what you have. Thanksgiving is not a date on a calendar nor is it parades, sporting events or food. It is an attitude of the heart!
Give thanks!
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