Thanksgiving Day

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In the Word

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you (1 Thessalonians 5:16–18).

Of the Word

Throughout the ages there have been many references to feasts of thanksgiving after harvest times. In the United States there have been several declarations of thanksgiving. The most notable are the references to the Pilgrims who celebrated in Plymouth in 1621 and then during the Civil War when President Lincoln proclaimed a national Thanksgiving Day to be celebrated on the final Thursday of November 1863.

In recent times, Thanksgiving Day has evolved into a day of feasting and watching football. As Christians, we take a broader view of things as summed up in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 to give thanks in all circumstances. We constantly thank God for everything in our lives, our family, home, health, and every other gift from above. Not only that, but we should give thanks in all circumstances, even when they are difficult. No matter the situation, we can always thank God for the gift of His Son Jesus and for the grace and mercy extended to us.

So, don’t limit your thanks-giving to the fourth Thursday in November. Instead, take time every day to thank God for your blessings as well as your circumstances — no matter what. He is always listening!

Walking with my Lord

Dear Father in heaven, we beg Your forgiveness for the many times we do not thank You for blessings poured down on us. We ask the Holy Spirit to prompt us daily to praise You and to thank You for the bountiful grace and mercy extended to us. In Jesus’ precious name we pray. Amen.

Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible unless otherwise noted. (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), Copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

LWML — Lutheran Women in Mission

Thanksgiving Day

Listen to this devotion