Devotion: From 1619 to now, a time for giving thanks

It’s harvest time, one of my favorite times of the year. I enjoy seeing the trees change colors, the cooler weather, watching the crops brought in, the moving of cattle, deer season and, of course , Thanksgiving.

Here’s a little Thanksgiving history for you.

In the Spring, after their survival of that first difficult winter, the Pilgrim settlers of Plymouth Colony began planting their first crops. In the Fall, with help from their Indian neighbors, they gathered in their first harvest. With a spirit of excitement, the Pilgrims invited the Indians who had helped them to join them in a three day feast of wild turkey, venison and vegetables to celebrate God’s faithfulness.

This first thanksgiving feast in the new colonies took place in 1619. In 1623, Governor William Bradford of the Plymouth Colonies made a proclamation for a festival of Thanksgiving

On Nov. 26, 1789, President George Washington issued a proclamation for a nation-wide day of thanksgiving.

Later, President Abraham Lincoln made a proclamation in 1863, designating the last Thursday of November as Thanksgiving Day, a day for the nation to give thanks to Almighty God. The date was later changed to the fourth Thursday of November by President Franklin Roosevelt.

By definition, “thanks” is a gift of words or deeds that is given to someone for a favor or kindness received.

And the Bible has much to say about to whom we are to give thanks.

Psalm 100, 3-5: Know that the Lord is God. It is He, who made us, and we are His; we are his people, the sheep of His pastures. 4. Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name. 5. For the Lord is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations.”

The reason for Thanksgiving is wrapped up in verse 5. “The Lord is good. His love endures forever and His faithfulness continues to all generations.”