Thanks-Giving by Robert Socha

This year, 2021, marks the 400th anniversary of the first Thanksgiving celebration between Bradford’s 52 surviving settlers and the Wampanoag warriors, whose invaluable assistance enabled their success. So storied is this annual tradition that our legislative body passed “House Joint Resolution 41” in 1941, signed by President Roosevelt, setting the fourth Thursday in November as Thanksgiving Day. And lest we forget, those Pilgrims and Indians enjoyed 50 years of peace by honoring a treatysigned by governor John Carver and Chief Massasoit.

For four hundred years, our forefathers and we have fulfilled the duty to Providence in devotion to “that great and glorious Being, who is the beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be…” (George Washington 1789 Thanksgiving Proclamation). Unfortunately, today, a plurality of our society sees this tradition as nothing more than to gather together, feast, watch football, and rest; these things are good to do. However, even more alarming, a minor discontent faction is vying for canceling the holiday because they are ignorantly attempting to revise history.

In fact, they have sent a letter to the Wall Street Journal, demanding the publication cease to publish its two storied Thanksgiving Day articles. The first, an account from William Bradford’s original colonists, and the second an editorial from 1961. Since then, they have been in circulation annually and are available at the links I provided, although a subscription is required to read them in their entirety, which I highly recommend. What a terrible waste of time and mischaracterization of justice these malcontents have unleashed. Thankfully the editorial board at WSJ has held their ground and vowed to continue the annual publication.

Instead of fostering division and discontent, let us celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and the advent of these United States, whose laws and justice have allowed for the global propagation of the Gospel, the good news of Jesus Christ and the hope of the Resurrection of the dead, and unprecedented economic prowess.

I acknowledge the debauched lunacy spiraling our nation, nay the world, to a terrible meeting with the gates of hell, which requires repentance and a turning to the Author and Finisher of faith. May we lead the charge and ourselves turn to Heaven, laying down every weight and the sin that so easily ensnares us. (Hebrews 12:1-2)

Let us foster a spirit of gratitude. Grateful for life and love and the simple pleasures available to us. Let us give thanks in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:18), always rejoicing that the God of Creation is wooing us through His kindness to repentance. So may we celebrate the gift of time and hope of life everlasting with our families and friends.

Today I take a moment to give thanks and rejoice with my family, my friends, and that great and benevolent Spirit who beckons, “come up here.” (Revelation 4:1)

May the Lord of Glory bless you and keep you; may He cause His faces to shine on and be gracious to you and give you peace. (Numbers 6:24-26)