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Americans are celebrating the national holiday of Thanksgiving, commemorating when,

in 1621, the Plymouth colonists and Wampanoag Indians shared an autumn harvest feast that is acknowledged today as one of the first Thanksgiving celebrations in the colonies. For more than two centuries, days of thanksgiving were celebrated by individual colonies and states. It wasn’t until 1863, in the midst of the Civil War, that President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national Thanksgiving Day to be held each November. (History.com)

According to ChristianAnswers.net, upon landing in America, the Pilgrims began building hasty shelters, but they were unprepared for the starvation and sickness of a harsh New England winter and nearly half died before spring. “Yet, persevering in prayer, and assisted by helpful Indians, they reaped a bountiful harvest the following summer. The grateful Pilgrims then declared a three-day feast, starting on December 13, 1621, to thank God and to celebrate with their Indian friends. While this was not the first Thanksgiving in America (thanksgiving services were held in Virginia as early as 1607), it was America’s first Thanksgiving Festival.”

Giving thanks to God is a basic spiritual discipline called for in Scripture. So this is a time when everyone, globally, can join together and declare our gratitude to our Maker and Sustainer. Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Bible Gateway!

Bible Verses on the Topic of Thanksgiving

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. 1 Chronicles 16:34

Just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. Colossians 2:6-7

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Colossians 3:15

Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:17

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18

I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds. Psalm 9:1