In November 1621, after the Pilgrims’ first corn harvest proved successful, Governor William Bradford organized a celebratory feast and invited a group of the fledgling colony’s Native American allies, including the Wampanoag chief Massasoit. Now remembered as American’s “FIRST THANKSGIVING”—although the Pilgrims themselves may not have used the term at the time—the festival lasted for three days. Turkey or no turkey, the first Thanksgiving’s attendees almost certainly got their fill of meat. Winslow wrote that the Wampanoag arrived with an offering of FIVE DEER. Culinary historians speculate that the deer was roasted on a spit over a smoldering fire and that the colonists might have used some of the venison to whip up a HEARTY STEW.
In 1789, the Protestant Episcopal Church declared the first Thursday of November as an annual day of THANKSGIVING TO ALMIGHTY GOD. It was not until the 1860s that Abraham Lincoln declared the LAST THURSDAY of November to be a NATIONAL HOLIDAY.
This is what many do today, “Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for HE IS GOOD! For His mercy endures forever.” (Psalms 107:1) “…in everything give thanks; for THIS IS THE WILL OF GOD in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18) “…be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, SINGING AND MAKING MELODY in your heart to the Lord…GIVING THANKS ALWAYS FOR ALL THINGS to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ…” (Ephesians 5:18-20)
ENJOY THIS DAY OF THANKSGIVING WITH YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY…HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!
Your Personal Pastor -Bill Stockham