Thanksgiving has become a holiday that is centered on football and turkey, but that was not the way it started. We claim Thanksgiving as an American holiday (and rightfully so), but its true meaning has become obscure as time and tradition begin to drown out the truth of the day. Days and services of giving thanks were held as early as 1607, but the feast of Thanksgiving did not begin until 1621 when the Pilgrims held a three-day feast alongside their Indian friends to thank God for what He had done. Under our first president, George Washington, America celebrated her first day of Thanksgiving to God since the adopting of the Constitution. Abraham Lincoln set aside the day of Thanksgiving to be the fourth Thursday in November. Yes, it is recognized as a holiday and has been since 1941, but we must not forget the true meaning of the day. It is a day set aside to reflect on God’s goodness and to give Him thanks for all He has done. As you celebrate Thanksgiving this year, don’t forget to truly give God thanks for what He has done and what He is doing today.
Hwy 69 N. & Electric Ave. Exit • McAlester, OK