'Tis the Season to Shop?

"For all things are for your sakes, that the grace, being multiplied through the many, may cause the thanksgiving to abound unto the glory of God."

What does Thanksgiving mean to you? Turkey? Family? Rest? Shopping? Ha! You won't find me out and about on Black Friday! I am not getting run over by some crazed blue haired lady in search of a five dollar curling iron, or some normally well-mannered mother of three, with visions of children's booties in her eyes. No way, no how. What Thanksgiving means to us, might not be what it meant to those many years ago.

Thursday marks the 220th anniversary of the first official observance of Thanksgiving in the United States. While the Thanksgiving tradition was alive and well for many years previous, in 1789 President George Washington made an official proclamation concerning Thanksgiving. In fact this was the first official proclamation made in this nation's history. The proclamation is remarkable in so many ways. Perhaps it would be good to refresh your memory in case you have forgotten.

It is easy to forget, and quite understandable given this country's proclivities, that this country was founded by people who were generally concerned about pleasing God. This holiday that we call Thanksgiving was established by the President of the United States, at the behest of the Congress of the United States, in order that the people of the United States would recognize, praise, and thank God for their blessings. Where have we gone?

We have allowed ourselves to be consumed by consumerism, silenced by secularism, and convince by con artists that THIS is the way it is supposed to be. I have often wondered if people even consider the meaning or origin of the word thanksgiving? What would they say if you told them that thanksgiving is a Biblical concept? *Gasp*

As for me, my Thanksgiving day will begin with a prayer, like every other day. I will be in a spirit of thanksgiving, like every other day. Perhaps I will have the time to enjoy a few things that I am not usually able to enjoy, and perhaps a little more rest is in order. But I will not forget "The reason for the season", As so many have already done.

"In nothing be anxious; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God."