Thanksgiving Day, often regarded as a distinctly American holiday, carries traditions that echo practices from various cultures and histories. While it holds a significant place in American heritage, its observance has sometimes strayed into a mere parody of genuine gratitude. The roots of Thanksgiving are not solely American; the Pilgrims, who celebrated in 1621, drew from customs in England and Holland. Long before, ancient societies like the Romans, Greeks, and Canaanites held harvest celebrations with elements of idolatry, yet harvest festivals themselves are not anti-God, as God Himself commands the observance of Pentecost and Tabernacles, both tied to harvests. The establishment of national holidays by God's people finds precedent in Scripture, where celebrations were marked by feasting, rejoicing, and sharing with others, without divine condemnation. Significant events in a nation's history are often commemorated to foster unity and a sense of belonging, and nothing in God's Word deems this principle sinful. Jesus Himself is seen participating in the Feast of Dedication, a national celebration of the Temple's rededication, showing no aversion to such observances. Thanksgiving, as a national holiday, bears weak religious overtones and does not venerate specific figures or form part of a salvation formula. Its focus remains broad, honoring God in a general sense, with individual observance varying widely from gluttonous feasting to family reunions or religious reflection. The key lies in directing thanks to God rather than to false entities, ensuring it aligns with truth and liberty rather than idolatry. God expects His people to give thanks, and this act is integral to Christian life, not fluctuating with circumstances but rooted in a true perspective of His care and promised deliverance.

Thanksgiving is often mislabeled as the most American of holidays, but it is merely an American adaptation of harvest festivals celebrated in many nations since ancient times. This adaptation is not wrong in principle, as we should give thanks to the great God who causes all things that He created to grow and produce abundantly, allowing us to enjoy His beneficence. In America, with a history rooted in a quasi-Christian religious beginning and many constitutional liberties drawn from biblical principles, there is a foundation of truth at the base of this nation. However, over time, the original principles of Thanksgiving have been largely forgotten. The settlers at Plymouth Rock called themselves pilgrims, believing they were on a journey to a Promised Land of religious liberty where they could worship God according to their understanding, and they dedicated that first Thanksgiving to give thanks to Him for His provision. Later, both George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, in their addresses establishing Thanksgiving as a national holiday, expressed profound gratitude to God. In contrast, recent portrayals of Thanksgiving often focus on trivial matters or commercial aspects, overshadowing its deeper significance. There is no reason why Thanksgiving cannot be filled with wonderful, warm family activities, as the essence of God's festivals emphasizes such shared joy without forgetting the God who makes all these blessings possible.

In the season of the fall harvest, many nations pause to reflect on their abundant blessings and express gratitude to God. Several countries, such as the United States and Canada, have established national holidays in autumn specifically for this purpose. These holidays serve as a reminder to meditate on the provisions God has bestowed, recognizing His generosity that exceeds all expectations. While gratitude should be a constant practice, these designated times offer a focused opportunity to acknowledge the blessings in our lives and to cultivate heartfelt thankfulness for His oversight and providence.