As most of us prepare a buffet of food for more than twice as many people that will actual come for Thanksgiving, I often wonder why we celebrate Thanksgiving and who do we give thanks to.

If you ask most people, what does Thanksgiving means to them and you’ll get things like, it’s about family, friends, food and some even would say football! Some will add, it’s about giving thanks for all those things but most importantly, it’s about coming together.

What about the question of who do we give thanks to?

Some historians, believe the story of Thanksgiving dates back to 1621, when the Pilgrims arrived to America on the Mayflower and partnered with the Wampanoag Native Americans who taught the English colonists to hunt and fish. And after one successful harvest, together they shared a three-day feast.

However, Thanksgiving would not become recognized as a holiday until 242 years later when President Lincoln proclaimed the date during the civil war.

Regardless, of how Thanksgiving came about, whether from the Pilgrims, Native Americans or Abraham Lincoln, most would say today, it’s a time to give thanks and come together as a family.
But who do you give thanks to?

You see, for us who believe in God, we give thanks to Him. We are told in the Bible, that God has created all things. All things that were made were made by Him, through Him. This means that the reason you exist is because of God. The reason you have family, friends, and food are all because of God.

And whether you believe in God or not, does not change the fact that God exist. The Bible tells us there is no excuse for not believing in God. For His creation alone proves He exists.

So, this Thanksgiving, I challenge you all, when you gather together, and there’s that one person that always prays over the meal, to listen to who they give thanks to…
And in your heart, give thanks to God as well. It’s the least you can do for all He has done for you.

Happy Thanksgiving!