Day 13, Thursday, November 28
Read:Ephesians 5:1-21
Be filled with the Spirit; Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things. (v. 18-20)
Here in America, it’s Thanksgiving Day – a day unique to our culture and rooted in history.
In 1620, a small group of pilgrims came to the New World seeking religious freedom. Finding themselves in the midst of bitter winter, sickness and loss, they still came together with neighboring Indians in late 1621 to celebrate God’s goodness. That the feasting lasted three days is something to consider!
One of those early settlers, Edward Winslow, wrote friends: “…by the goodness of God, we are so far from want that we often wish you were partakers of our plenty.”
In 1789, President Washington designated the first national day of Thanksgiving, followed in 1863 by President Lincoln’s formalization of it as an annual holiday. By then, its roots were 242 years old.
Many will celebrate this day with football as the centerpiece and black Friday shopping lists occupying their mind. But the space Thanksgiving creates is sacred to me, and I might be found still sitting at the table or in the living room with like-minded souls, sipping apple cider and talking about matters great and small, grateful for all God’s goodness and the rare treat of long conversation with the ones I love.
May you and your loved ones be blessed today – and whatever you’re choosing to do, don’t forget the thanksgiving.
As you pray, thank God for his goodness, be filled with his Spirit, make some melody, and give thanks always and for everything.
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