The fourth Thursday of every November is a national holiday in the United States ... Thanksgiving. From a national holiday standpoint, Abraham Lincoln set aside the last Thursday in 1863 "as a day of thanksgiving and praise to our beneficent Father." In 1941, Congress changed the date to be the fourth Thursday of November. To the average American, this is a holiday where they get time off work and to enjoy a nice meal with family. To others, it is just another day and some look forward to it because it means great deals for holiday presents. Unfortunately, none of these are the real reason for Thanksgiving.

The very first "Thanksgiving" was actually three days long during which the Pilgrims and Indians spent time together feasting and in prayer. The reason for the celebration was 44 of the original 102 settlers died during the first winter. During the second winter, Governor William Bradford set aside December 13, 1621, as a day to celebrate their making it through another year. Their peaceful Indian friends were invited because it was with their help they survived and learned how to grow crops and become self-sufficient in the new world.

These pilgrims were "Separatists" who left England because they did not believe in the unity between Government and Church. They were Christians who were part of the Protestant Reformation occurring during that time. As strong Christians, they shared their belief in Christ with the Indians and gave thanks to the Lord for providing them with 20 acres of land that they could live in peace with the local Indians.

Today, Thanksgiving is a day in which we can give thanks to God for providing us with life, food, family, friends, and the basic necessities to live life and spread His love. While some may be more fortunate than others, God makes sure He provides for us our basic needs. Life is NOT about being jealous of what others have ... instead, it is about being thankful for what God has provided to you. So during this Thanksgiving, take time to give thanks and share what you are thankful for with others.