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 Thanksgiving (in North America) is an annual national holiday marked by religious observances and a traditional meal including turkey, dressing, yams, collard greens, potatoes, ham, cakes and pies.   The holiday commemorates a harvest festival celebrated by the Pilgrims in 1621.  Sarah Hale campaigned for a national Thanksgiving Day to promote unity.   On October 3, 1863, during the Civil War, President Lincoln proclaimed a national day of thanksgiving to be celebrated on Thursday, November 26.   The holiday was annually proclaimed by every president thereafter, and the last Thursday of November was the chosen day.   
      Notice the first sentence reflects that this holiday is marked by religious observances.   Nevertheless, there are some “religious people” who believe Thanksgiving is a pagan holiday and true believers should not partake in its festivities.   The Bible says, “Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.  For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations” (Psalm 100:4-5).   
    For some, Thanksgiving is a time for reflection, prayer, gratitude, family, friends, food, and football.  For others, it is riddled with grief, hunger, depression, loneliness, and isolation.   While we are celebrating, don’t forget to pray for those who are hurting.   If you are hurting, reach out to loved ones, volunteer at a homeless shelter or within your community.     
     These are challenging times for many of us.  Thanksgiving is a great time to thank God for all of our blessings and His provision.  Do I believe Christians should celebrate Thanksgiving?  My answer is yes.  God is not against us celebrating or having a feast.  He wants us to enjoy our family and friends.   Let’s not forget the main purpose of this holiday is prayer and thanksgiving as we feast and fellowship.   “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity” (Psalm 133:1).      
     


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The best gift to give is your time.   Feed the hungry.