Thanksgiving is....
Kick-off to start the Christmas season - Time for the first Christmas gift - Dinner with relatives (for good or bad) - Football games and a big meal - Day to prepare for Black Friday - Time off of work - Spending too much on food - Macy's Parade? Consider the famous painting from Norman Rockwell that exemplifies "Freedom From Want", 1943. This masterpiece is usually associated with the American Thanksgiving holiday. |
Charles M. Schultz adapted Rockwell's image to suit his famous Peanuts' characters.
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Historically Speaking...
Most Americans consider the "First Thanksgiving" to have occurred in 1621 after the Pilgrims' first abundant harvest in the New World. They graciously invited their friends of the Wampanoag tribe to join them, and, surprisingly, 90 Native Americans gathered with the 52 Pilgrims for three days of games, hunting, conversations, and feasts.
Days of giving thanks to God were not uncommon to the Pilgrims, Separatists, and other New England colonists.
Often those events included church services and prayer but encompassed only the church members.
The first celebration in the early fall of 1621 by the Pilgrims in Plymouth was not a "religious" service, per se. Prayer, which demonstrated their acknowledgment and dependence on God, permeated even their social events, nevertheless.
It was a time to thank the Lord and invite their neighbors to join in the celebration by opening their store of food in great hospitality.
Most often acknowledged as...
Plymouth 1621:
52 Pilgrims + 90 Natives x 3 days of feasting, games, contests, and fellowship = The "First" American Thanksgiving
Days of giving thanks to God were not uncommon to the Pilgrims, Separatists, and other New England colonists.
Often those events included church services and prayer but encompassed only the church members.
The first celebration in the early fall of 1621 by the Pilgrims in Plymouth was not a "religious" service, per se. Prayer, which demonstrated their acknowledgment and dependence on God, permeated even their social events, nevertheless.
It was a time to thank the Lord and invite their neighbors to join in the celebration by opening their store of food in great hospitality.
Most often acknowledged as...
Plymouth 1621:
52 Pilgrims + 90 Natives x 3 days of feasting, games, contests, and fellowship = The "First" American Thanksgiving
Music to read by - "Scarborough Fair" - and English tune from the 1600s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8Hj5LgMrf0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8Hj5LgMrf0
Prayers of gratitude have been offered since long before the 1621 American tradition began.
Where did these Pilgrims possibly get the idea for this?
"For a way to express their thankfulness for survival and the first harvest, the deeply religious Pilgrims looked to the Bible. They found the celebrated Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot), or Feast of Ingathering. The ingathering of Israelites (delivered from the desert of Sinai) and their harvest were celebrated in this feast and is the most joyous of all feasts still today (Leviticus 23).
Another reference to giving thanks is found in the account of ‘setting’ what Samuel called the Ebenezer Stone.
This was a memorial to remind them to be grateful for God’s help during an attack from the Philistines (1 Samuel 7:10-12).
Actually, the Bible speaks of giving thanks nearly from cover to cover. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 says,
'No matter what happens, always be thankful, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.'
All early celebrations had one common theme -- God.
Thanksgiving was directed toward God, their Creator, Protector, and Provider. They believed that all good things ultimately came from Him as they do today. Other verses that include thanks can be read in Psalm 100:4, Psalm 105:1 and 1 Corinthians 15:57.
How to offer prayers of Thanks-Giving.
Prayers are simply communication to God.
There may be a memorized or formal prayer, or simply sincere expression from the heart.
God hears and honors them all (see 1 John 5:14)."
- See more at: http://www.allaboutprayer.org/thanksgiving-prayer.htm#sthash.c5PUw8yz.dpuf
http://christianity.about.com/od/thanksgivingverses/a/thanksgivingpra.htm
Also, it helps to find verses that you may want to use in your prayers.
http://christianity.about.com/od/thanksgivingverses/a/thanksgivingpra.htm
Also, it helps to find verses that you may want to use in your prayers.
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Read or listen to the audio book as the author of Pilgrims' Chronicles tells the story of the Separatists that we remember each Thanksgiving. "Most Americans know the story of the Pilgrims, people who braved seas and sickness to find a new land where they could practice their faith in peace, but there is so much more to this story! As we begin our own Thanksgiving preparations, Rod Gragg, an award-winning journalist, historian and author, will reveal little-known facts and firsthand accounts of the compelling drama that culminated in the first Thanksgiving!" www.amazon.com/Pilgrim-Chronicles-Eyewitness-Pilgrims-Founding/dp/1621572692 |
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English Separatist Farmers and Native American Farmers
Wheat
Barley Oats Rye Beans |
William Bradford came from a family of farmers, as well as, several others who had farms while living in England. Farmers there usually grew wheat, rye, barley, oats, peas, and/or beans. They would have probably used cow manure for fertilizer.
Most of the seeds they brought became ruined and moldy from the damp conditions during the stormy voyage of the Mayflower. It could be said that the Pilgrims did not come ill-prepared. However, their plans succumbed to the harsh and unknown conditions encountered during the journey and the unexpected challenges they faced in the new land. |
These foods were native to North America, therefore, the English settlers had not seen them before.
Pumpkins and other squash
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Blueberries and strawberries |
Corn or Maize: in colors other than yellow |
Tomatoes
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White potatoes and sweet potatoes had just been brought to England (c. 1600).
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The Lord God provided for the Pilgrims and the Native Americans, which they called Indians, through an incredible "background" story of Squanto.
Governor Bradford said Squanto was "an instrument of God for our good". He and the settlers formed a special bond of respect and then friendship. The totally unexpected event of an English speaking "Indian", who served as a translator between the natives and the Pilgrims, served as a brilliant reminder that Jehovah Jireh had intervened with His Plan.
The two groups wrote up a peace treaty that lasted 50 years - the longest standing treaty with the native tribes in American history.*
Squanto chose to live with the Pilgrims rather than his adopted tribe.
http://www.biography.com/people/squanto-9491327#synopsis
Governor Bradford said Squanto was "an instrument of God for our good". He and the settlers formed a special bond of respect and then friendship. The totally unexpected event of an English speaking "Indian", who served as a translator between the natives and the Pilgrims, served as a brilliant reminder that Jehovah Jireh had intervened with His Plan.
The two groups wrote up a peace treaty that lasted 50 years - the longest standing treaty with the native tribes in American history.*
Squanto chose to live with the Pilgrims rather than his adopted tribe.
http://www.biography.com/people/squanto-9491327#synopsis
"So many of our Pilgrim forefathers and mothers, you know, died that first winter; something like half of the Mayflower survivors. The survival of the Pilgrims was pretty much in serious doubt. And then came their brown-skinned miracle -
a Native American who somehow spoke English."
A short story about Squanto, by Ron Hutchcraft.
The Man Who Saved Thanksgiving - #8579
www.hutchcraft.com/a-word-with-you/your-personal-power/the-man-who-saved-thanksgiving-8579
a Native American who somehow spoke English."
A short story about Squanto, by Ron Hutchcraft.
The Man Who Saved Thanksgiving - #8579
www.hutchcraft.com/a-word-with-you/your-personal-power/the-man-who-saved-thanksgiving-8579
The Five Kernals of Corn
The first kernel reminds us of the beauty around us.
The second kernel reminds us of our love for one another
The third kernel reminds us of God's love for us.
The fourth kernel reminds us of friends - especially our brothers, the Indians.
The fifth kernel reminds us that we are now a free people.
Hezekiah Butterworth was an American patriot schoolteacher from Boston who was actively involved in the American Revolution.
He authored the following poem.
'Twas the year of the famine in Plymouth of old,
The ice and the snow from the thatched roofs had rolled;
Through the warm purple skies steered the geese o'er the seas,
And the woodpeckers tapped in the clocks of the trees;
And the boughs on the slopes to the south winds lay bare,
and dreaming of summer, the buds swelled in the air.
The pale Pilgrims welcomed each reddening morn;
There were left but for rations Five Kernels of Corn.
Five Kernels of Corn!
Five Kernels of Corn!
But to Bradford a feast were Five Kernels of Corn!
"Five Kernels of Corn! Five Kernels of Corn!
Ye people, be glad for Five Kernels of Corn!"
So Bradford cried out on bleak Burial Hill,
And the thin women stood in their doors, white and still.
"Lo, the harbor of Plymouth rolls bright in the Spring,
The maples grow red, and the wood robins sing,
The west wind is blowing, and fading the snow,
And the pleasant pines sing, and arbutuses blow.
Five Kernels of Corn!
Five Kernels of Corn!
To each one be given Five Kernels of Corn!"
O Bradford of Austerfield hast on thy way,
The west winds are blowing o'er Provincetown Bay,
The white avens bloom, but the pine domes are chill,
And new graves have furrowed Precisioners' Hill!
"Give thanks, all ye people, the warm skies have come,
The hilltops are sunny, and green grows the holm,
And the trumpets of winds, and the white March is gone,
Five Kernels of Corn!
Five Kernels of Corn!
Ye have for Thanksgiving Five Kernels of Corn!
"The raven's gift eat and be humble and pray,
A new light is breaking and Truth leads your way;
One taper a thousand shall kindle; rejoice
That to you has been given the wilderness voice!"
O Bradford of Austerfield, daring the wave,
And safe through the sounding blasts leading the brave,
Of deeds such as thine was the free nation born,
And the festal world sings the "Five Kernels of Corn."
Five Kernels of Corn!
Five Kernels of Corn!
The nation gives thanks for Five Kernels of Corn!
To the Thanksgiving Feast bring Five Kernels of Corn!
http://www.home-school.com/Articles/brave-pilgrims.php
My family has read this before the big meal as everyone had placed only 5 kernels of corn on the plate before them.
It was a lovely reminder of how our country started with people who paid a high price to enjoy such freedom!
(When the children were younger we used the first short poem as the mealtime prayer.)
It was a lovely reminder of how our country started with people who paid a high price to enjoy such freedom!
(When the children were younger we used the first short poem as the mealtime prayer.)
Public Thanksgiving and Prayer,
issued by George Washington when he served as President
January 1, 1795
A PROCLAMATION:
By the PRESIDENT of the UNITED
STATES OF AMERICA
"When we review the calamities, which afflict so many other nations, the present condition of the United States affords much matter of consolation and satisfaction....
are circumstances which peculiarly mark our situation with indications of the Divine beneficence towards us.
In such a state of things it is, in an especial manner,
our duty as people,
with devout reverence and affectionate gratitude,
to acknowledge our many and great obligations to Almighty God
and to implore Him to continue and confirm the blessings we experience.
Deeply penetrated with this sentiment, I, George Washington, President of the United States, do recommend to all religious societies and denominations, and to all persons whomsoever, within the United States,
to set apart and observe Thursday, the nineteenth day of February next,
as a day of public thanksgiving and prayer:
and on that day to meet together and render their sincere and hearty thanks to the great Ruler of nations for the manifold
and signal mercies which distinguish our lot as a nation.
...for the prosperous course of our affairs, public and private; and, at the same time,
humbly and fervently to beseech the kind Author of these blessings. graciously to prolong them to us –
o imprint on our hearts a deep and solemn sense of our obligations to Him for them –
to teach us rightly to estimate their immense value –
to preserve us from the arrogance of prosperity and from hazarding the advantages we enjoy by delusive pursuits –
to dispose us to merit the continuance of His favors by not abusing them, by our gratitude for them,
and by a correspondent conduct as citizens and as men –
to render this country, more and more, a propitious asylum for the unfortunate of other countries –
to extend among us true and useful knowledge – to diffuse and establish habits of sobriety, order, morality, and piety –
and, finally, to impart all blessings we possess or ask for ourselves, to the whole family of mankind...."
Go Washington,
President of the United States
http://www.wallbuilders.com/LIBissuesArticles.asp?id=17901
Is there any reference to the Pilgrims
in George Washington's declaration
for a national day of thanksgiving?
Then 68 years later...
Washington, D.C.
October 3, 1863
By the President of the United States of America.
A Proclamation.
in George Washington's declaration
for a national day of thanksgiving?
Then 68 years later...
Washington, D.C.
October 3, 1863
By the President of the United States of America.
A Proclamation.
"The year that is drawing towards its close, has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come,
others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature, that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever watchful providence of Almighty God. In the midst of a civil war....
No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things.
They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God,
who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy.
It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and one voice by the whole American People. I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens....
and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquillity and Union...."
By the President: Abraham Lincoln
Once again, there was no reference to the Pilgrims.
Each proclamation was to thank Almighty God for the current events at that particular time in the United States.
Each proclamation was to thank Almighty God for the current events at that particular time in the United States.
The Mayflower Compact
http://www2.needham.k12.ma.us/eliot/technology/lessons/primary_source/mayflower_compact/index.htm
This very simple plan of government is truly remarkable. It started the idea - "of the people, by the people, and for the people" like no other document before. |
Most of the public school textbooks do not show this complete paragraph in their history books. |
"In the name of God, Amen.
We, whose names are underwritten, the Loyal Subjects of our dread Sovereign Lord, King James,
by the Grace of God, of England, France and Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith, e&.
Having undertaken for the Glory of God, and Advancement of the Christian Faith,
and the Honour of our King and Country,
a voyage to plant the first colony in the northern parts of Virginia;
do by these presents, solemnly and mutually in the Presence of God and one of another,
covenant and combine ourselves together into a civil Body Politick, for our better Ordering and Preservation,
and Furtherance of the Ends aforesaid;
And by Virtue hereof to enact, constitute, and frame, such just and equal Laws, Ordinances, Acts, Constitutions and Offices,
from time to time, as shall be thought most meet and convenient for the General good of the Colony;
unto which we promise all due submission and obedience.
In Witness whereof we have hereunto subscribed our names at Cape Cod
the eleventh of November,
in the Reign of our Sovereign Lord, King James of England, France and Ireland, the eighteenth, and of Scotland the fifty-fourth.
Anno Domini, 1620."
- See more at: http://www.allabouthistory.org/mayflower-compact.htm#sthash.CsKhgoeT.dpuf
We, whose names are underwritten, the Loyal Subjects of our dread Sovereign Lord, King James,
by the Grace of God, of England, France and Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith, e&.
Having undertaken for the Glory of God, and Advancement of the Christian Faith,
and the Honour of our King and Country,
a voyage to plant the first colony in the northern parts of Virginia;
do by these presents, solemnly and mutually in the Presence of God and one of another,
covenant and combine ourselves together into a civil Body Politick, for our better Ordering and Preservation,
and Furtherance of the Ends aforesaid;
And by Virtue hereof to enact, constitute, and frame, such just and equal Laws, Ordinances, Acts, Constitutions and Offices,
from time to time, as shall be thought most meet and convenient for the General good of the Colony;
unto which we promise all due submission and obedience.
In Witness whereof we have hereunto subscribed our names at Cape Cod
the eleventh of November,
in the Reign of our Sovereign Lord, King James of England, France and Ireland, the eighteenth, and of Scotland the fifty-fourth.
Anno Domini, 1620."
- See more at: http://www.allabouthistory.org/mayflower-compact.htm#sthash.CsKhgoeT.dpuf
"Gateways to Better Education has published unique materials that open the eyes of educators regarding what the law actually says they can do in the classroom to commemorate religious holidays. The information is packaged in non-threatening holiday cards for Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter."
http://www.gtbe.org/holidayrestoration/
A Few Sense-able Ideas
Go to Pinterest site "Holidays With Honor" for more ideas.
See-able
http://www.history.com/topics/pilgrims/videos/deconstructing-history-mayflower A 3 min. video of the Mayflower ship and voyage |
http://www.history.com/topics/pilgrims A 2.5 min. video of the Pilgrims http://www.newnorth.net/~johhnson/geneology/mayflower.html "Embarkation of the Pilgrims" (commissioned 1837; placed 1844), oil on canvas, 12 x 18 feet, United States Capitol rotunda, Washington, DC |
Watch this 4 min. video on the History of Thanksgiving. http://www.history.com/topics/pilgrims/videos/history-of-the-thanksgiving-holiday Excerpt from Desperate Crossing--The Untold Story of the Mayflower. An excellent History Channel overview of the Mayflower journey.
This mixes the story with actors and documentary. YouTube Mayflower Story - Parts 1, 2, & 3 |
This is America Charlie Brown and the story of the first American Thanksgiving 13 Clips of this series are on YouTube, but the visual quality is not very clear. http://www.teachwithmovies.org/guides/peanuts-mayflower-voyagers.html 
A Smithsonian Affiliate: Plimoth Plantation http://www.plimoth.org/ |
I hope you can take the time to treat yourself to a classic storyteller in radio history, Paul Harvey.
YouTube incorporates a charming story with authentic photos.
"What became of the ship Mayflower?"
- Paul Harvey
http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=what+became+of+the+mayflower+paul+harvey&FORM=VIRE1#view=detail&mid=0E2A3DF93C5EC0346CBD0E2A3DF93C5EC0346CBD
YouTube incorporates a charming story with authentic photos.
"What became of the ship Mayflower?"
- Paul Harvey
http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=what+became+of+the+mayflower+paul+harvey&FORM=VIRE1#view=detail&mid=0E2A3DF93C5EC0346CBD0E2A3DF93C5EC0346CBD
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BOOKS
Of Plymouth Plantation, by William Bradford Stories of the Pilgrims by Margaret Pumphrey http://www.mainlesson.com/display.php?author=pumphrey&book=pilgrims&story=first Three Young Pilgrims, by Cheryl Harness Rush Revere and the Brave Pilgrims Time-Travel Adventures with Exceptional Americans by Rush Limbaugh The American Adventure: The Mayflower Adventure and The American Adventure: Plymouth Pioneers by Colleen L. Reece The First Thanksgiving: What the real story tells us about loving God and Learning From History by Robert Tracy McKenzie, IVP Academic; InterVarsity Press The Pilgrim Chronicles: An Eyewitness History of the Pilgrims and the Founding of Plymouth Colony By: Rod Gragg, Regnery History / 2014 / Hardcover |
A Thanksgiving Carol Album: AIO - 12: At Home and Abroad Episode: 173 Lesson/Theme: Thanksgiving: being thankful. Bible Verse: 1 Thessalonians 5:18 Description: Whit and the gang use Kids' Radio to tell Charles Dicken's, "A Christmas Carol" with an unusual twist http://www.whitsend.org/en/albums/12-at-home-and-abroad/173-a-thanksgiving-carol.aspx |
David Barton and WallBuilders.com
put together other little known Thanksgiving messages.
1783 Thanksgiving Sermon
Rev. Joseph Willard preached this sermon on Thanksgiving, December 11, 1783. Willard based his sermon on Psalm 118:27.
Read Sermon »»
1795 Thanksgiving Sermon
Rev. Samuel West preached this sermon on the national Thanksgiving in 1795, referencing Daniel 2:20-21.
Read Sermon »»
1795 National Thanksgiving Proclamation
This Thanksgiving Proclamation was issued by President George Washington, declaring February 19, 1795 as the day of Thanksgiving.
See Proclamation »»
1798 Thanksgiving Sermon
Rev. Jedidiah Morse preached this Thanksgiving sermon in Massachusetts on November 29, 1798, referencing Exodus 18:8-9.
Read Sermon »»
1804 Thanksgiving Sermon
Rev. Elijah Parish preached this Thanksgiving sermon in Massachusetts on November 29, 1804.
Read Sermon »»
1808 Thanksgiving Sermon
Rev. James Gray preached this Thanksgiving sermon in Philadelphia on December 31, 1808, using Psalm 30:6-12 as the basis for his sermon.
Read Sermon »»
http://www.wallbuilders.com/
Rev. Joseph Willard preached this sermon on Thanksgiving, December 11, 1783. Willard based his sermon on Psalm 118:27.
Read Sermon »»
1795 Thanksgiving Sermon
Rev. Samuel West preached this sermon on the national Thanksgiving in 1795, referencing Daniel 2:20-21.
Read Sermon »»
1795 National Thanksgiving Proclamation
This Thanksgiving Proclamation was issued by President George Washington, declaring February 19, 1795 as the day of Thanksgiving.
See Proclamation »»
1798 Thanksgiving Sermon
Rev. Jedidiah Morse preached this Thanksgiving sermon in Massachusetts on November 29, 1798, referencing Exodus 18:8-9.
Read Sermon »»
1804 Thanksgiving Sermon
Rev. Elijah Parish preached this Thanksgiving sermon in Massachusetts on November 29, 1804.
Read Sermon »»
1808 Thanksgiving Sermon
Rev. James Gray preached this Thanksgiving sermon in Philadelphia on December 31, 1808, using Psalm 30:6-12 as the basis for his sermon.
Read Sermon »»
http://www.wallbuilders.com/
Taste-able and Smell-able
Leftover Thanksgiving Food Ideas http://www.sixsistersstuff.com/2011/11/fresh-food-friday-leftover-thanksgiving.html |
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Do-able
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BibleGateway has numerous
devotionals and reading plans to choose from that come directly to your email or Facebook. https://www.biblegateway.com/devotionals/ 
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Thanksgiving Kids Table Printables
Place mats for table
Crayon holder
Sign for hanging door wreath
Dish towel print
http://embellishgoods.blogspot.com/2011/11/free-printable-thankgsiving-gathering.html
Place mats for table
Crayon holder
Sign for hanging door wreath
Dish towel print
http://embellishgoods.blogspot.com/2011/11/free-printable-thankgsiving-gathering.html
Have a Happy Harvest Hunt (very similar to an Easter Egg Hunt) Use shiny faux fruit and vegetables sometimes sold with the Christmas decorations, or make them yourself. This site can give you ideas. http://theblackcrowandmore.blogspot.com/ |
Volunteer with a Food Bank or a Christian Service Center
The Orlando Union Rescue Mission accepts donations at the holidays and year-round to help the homeless and hurting children, women and men. www.ourm.org |
Operation Christmas Child
Samaritan's Purse
Usually the famous shoebox collection campaign begins to collect the boxes after the 2nd week in November.
1-800-353-5949 / samaritanspurse.org
Samaritan's Purse
Usually the famous shoebox collection campaign begins to collect the boxes after the 2nd week in November.
1-800-353-5949 / samaritanspurse.org
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" Anything that refreshes you without
distracting you from, diminishing, or destroying your final goal is a legitimate pleasure in your life." Ravi Zacharias, "Faith Under Fire – Christian Ethics in the Workplace", Part 2 |
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