Quick! What’s the first word that comes to mind when you think of Thanksgiving? (Don’t scroll until you have your word.)

What word(s) did you come up with?

Turkey?

Football?

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade?

A day off?

Fall leaves?

Black Friday?

If you chose one of these words, congratulations. You have been successfully innoculated against the original spirit of the day along with millions of your compatriots—including me.

But we can recapture it’s meaning if we make it a point to tell the story to our family and guests who gather with us on this day.

The first Thanksgiving was at Plymouth Plantation in Massachusetts, so named for the port in England from which the Pilgrims set sail on September 6, 1620, for a 65-day journey across the Atlantic. Less than 50 of the roughly 100 passengers and crew on the Mayflower survived the winter of 1620.

Sometime in October or November of 1621, the Pilgrims gathered in the great English tradition of a 3-day harvest festival that featured venison, turkey and waterfowl, cod, and bass, plus wheat, corn, and barley, and probably a number of vegtables and fruit. It was there that they celebrated a bountiful harvest and gave thanks to God for his gracious provision.

What does that have to do with us today?

For those of us who still love these United States and its ideals, Thanksgiving represents an opportunity to express a grateful heart that has not taken prosperity for granted. We stand on the shoulders of men and women who braved the unknown and persevered through trials that we can only hope we never face. Because of their courage and perseverance, we are blessed beyond measure to live in a country where we are (mostly) free from want and, in fact, have more than we really need.

As you gather with friends or family today, perhaps take a minute or two to read one of the only two accounts of that first harvest festival. Have your guests each name one thing that they are thankful for. Then take a moment to sincerely acknowledge God’s provision in your life, and thank Him for His blessings.

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

Whatever you choose to do, I wish you and yours a very Happy Thanksgiving!

History of Massachusetts: History of the First Thanksgiving
The True Story of That First Thanksgiving