
Although we Americans have celebrated Thanksgiving off and on since the autumn of 1621 when 90 Wampanoag Indians and 52 English colonists gathered for a three-day harvest feast, Thanksgiving did not become a federal holiday until 1870 when Congress established the first four federal holidays—New Year’s Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.
We generally associate Thanksgiving as the beginning of the holiday season, replete with traditions. I imagine that when we think of a “traditional Thanksgiving,” most of us think about food—turkey and dressing (unless you’re one of those heathens who eats stuffing), gravy and mashed potatoes, sweet potato and green bean casseroles, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin and pecan pies. The menu may vary depending on your location, but Thanksgiving is generally a keto nightmare.
Aside from the glorious food, Thanksgiving traditions may also include gathering with family and friends, watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade, carb-loading in preparation for Black Friday shopping and Christmas decorating, and football. Our tradition includes spending the day at my brother’s house in Georgia, and then returning home to watch “A Christmas Story.”
I’ve broken with tradition this year, and I’ve already decorated for Christmas—it’s been a tough year and I needed the Christmas spirit a couple of weeks early. The Publix Pilgrim salt and pepper shakers sit comfortably next to the Santa salt and pepper shakers, and the Nativity display will appear on the mantel later today. Don’t judge me.
As Christians, we should continually be thankful for God’s mercy and grace. Even the geniuses at Harvard Medical School know that there are benefits to being thankful, although it probably took a couple of years and a great deal of cash to reach the conclusion that most of us already knew—gratitude is strongly and consistently associated with greater happiness.
In Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians, he tells them (and us), “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). But this year, while we’re gearing up for Thanksgiving Day, I challenge you to join me for a month of thanksgiving that lasts from Thanksgiving Day on one special “thanksgiving scripture” and do my best to apply it to my life.
You can bookmark this page and use the links that I’ve provided below or you can use your own Bible. But whether you’re up to the challenge or not, always remember to give thanks. What are you thankful for?
Thanksgiving Challenge readings:
Nov. 28 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Nov. 29 Philippians 4:6-7
Nov. 30 Psalm 28:7
Dec. 1 Hebrews 12:28-29
Dec. 2 Psalm 69:30
Dec. 3 1 Chronicles 16:34
Dec. 4 Colossians 3:15
Dec. 5 1 Corinthians 1:4
Dec. 6 1 Timothy 4:4-5
Dec. 7 Colossians 4:2
Dec. 8 2 Corinthians 9:11
Dec. 9 Jonah 2:9
Dec. 10 Psalm 50:14
Dec. 11 Colossians 3:16
Dec. 12 1 Chronicles 29:13
Dec. 13 Hebrews 13:15
Dec. 14 Psalm 95:1-3
Dec. 15 Psalm 100:4
Dec. 16 Philippians 4:8
Dec. 17 Psalm 107:1
Dec. 18 Ephesians 5:15-20
Dec. 19 James 1:17
Dec. 20 Isaiah 12:1-6
Dec. 21 Psalm 136
Dec. 22 1 Timothy 2:1
Dec. 23 2 Corinthians 9:15
Dec. 24 Colossians 2:6-7
Dec. 25 Luke 2:1-2
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