Thanksgiving: A Celebration of Unity and Gratitude

Across the United States, around the fourth week of November, many people are preparing to spend several hours cooking, baking, watching football, or planning their strategic bargain hunting shopping spree.  Thanksgiving is a cherished holiday in the United States, celebrated annually on the fourth Thursday of November. This holiday has deep historical roots, tracing back to the early 17th century when the Plymouth colonists and the Wampanoag Native Americans shared an autumn harvest feast in 1621 (History.com, 2024). This event is often regarded as one of the first Thanksgiving celebrations in the colonies.

The tradition of Thanksgiving continued in various forms over the centuries, with individual colonies and states observing days of thanksgiving for various reasons, such as safe journeys, military victories, or abundant harvests (Silverman, 2024).  It wasn’t until October 1863, during the Civil War – a dark time for the United States –  that President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national Thanksgiving Day to be held the following month and every November thereafter as a gesture to build national unity (Murray, 2015).

As we celebrate this Thanksgiving holiday, let’s reflect on the blessings of the past year and honor the historical roots of the American nation. While it serves as a reminder of the early interactions between European settlers and Native Americans and the importance of gratitude and community, it also underscores the need for unity and gathering, particularly during the most divisive and challenging periods in America’s history.

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thess 5:16-18 NIV)

Works Cited

History.com. (2024, November 19). Retrieved from Thanksgiving 2024: Tradition, Origins & Meaning: https://www.history.com/topics/thanksgiving/history-of-thanksgiving

Murray, L. (2015, November 15). Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved from Thanksgiving Day in the United States: https://www.britannica.com/story/thanksgiving-day-in-the-united-states

Silverman, D. J. (2024, November 27). Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved from Thanksgiving Day: Meaning, History, & Facts: https://www.britannica.com/topic/Thanksgiving-Day