Thanksgiving is a wonderful holiday where we can get together with family and enjoy good food and fellowship, but, aside from just “giving thanks,” what is Thanksgiving all about? Where did it come from? What are we celebrating?
Thanksgiving is an American holiday, a time when we can celebrate all the Lord has done for us and thank Him for His many blessings in our lives. Not everyone celebrates Thanksgiving as a Christian holiday (some people even just call it “Turkey Day”!) but the purpose of Thanksgiving has always been to give thanks to our Creator. The food and the family and the parade and the football are all things to be thankful for, but it’s not what Thanksgiving is all about. Thanksgiving is when we give thanks for ALL the things the Lord has done for us, including (if not especially!) sending His Son, Jesus, to save us from our sins.
“What is Thanksgiving?” Bible Verses:
- Psalm 100:1-5 | Give God thanks for all that He has done for us!
- James 1:17 | Every good thing comes from God.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 | Give thanks even when things are hard.
- John 3:16 | God gave Jesus for you . . . the greatest blessing of all.
- Psalm 106:1 | Thank God for His goodness and love.
“What is Thanksgiving?” Family Time Questions:
• What are you thankful for this year?
• Why is it good to be thankful?
• What are some things that we can ALL be thankful for?
Prayer:
Dear God, thank you for all the many ways you bless and take care of us. Help us to always be thankful to remember all that you’ve done for us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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