For Bible-believing Christians, Thanksgiving is a joyous time of praise for and reflection on all our Creator has done for us. Despite the wickedness that prevails at times, God has been so good to all of us, and this special day gives us a unique opportunity to praise Him for “all His benefits” (Psalm 103:2).
Too often, though, Thanksgiving here in the United States is seen as just another holiday. Although most families will gather and share a traditional meal, and many will pause long enough to express thanks to someone or something—perhaps even to God—there is little doubt that the original significance of this “holy” day has been lost in the haze of secularism. Would George Washington recognize any semblance of his original proclamation for the nation to “unite in most humbly offering our prayers…to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech Him to pardon our national and other transgressions”?1
Or would Abraham Lincoln see his countrymen giving thanks for “the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy”?2 In light of recent events—immoral rulings on homosexual marriage, appalling disclosures about the “business” of abortion, and agreements with nations hostile to God, Christianity, and Israel—can there be any doubt our nation’s founders would be dismayed by how far America has drifted from its Christian roots?
Thanksgiving Day is intended to be much more than turkey or football or family gatherings. It’s a day to worship the One who created us and has blessed us every single day of our lives. Yet the “god” worshipped and thanked by millions bears little resemblance to the omnipotent, holy, and benevolent Creator God of Scripture. Dr. Al Mohler summarizes this truth with eloquence:
The secular vision of thanksgiving feels empty and false. If there is no Creator and the universe is a cosmic accident, whom do we thank? At best, all we can do is be happy—at least in some sense—that this accident has not turned out worse. If there is no divine intelligence or benevolence behind world events, public and personal, it certainly seems like our Thanksgiving is just an exercise in considering ourselves comparatively lucky. How can fate be thanked?3
As usual, how people recognize and respond to the Creator makes all the difference! Here at ICR, we are deeply grateful for His abundant provision through the generous support and intercessory prayers of believers like you. Our mission is to uncover the truths of Scripture and communicate the wondrous message of the One who made us to a world headed toward destruction. Your partnership with us keeps our ministry focused and thriving as we move into new and exciting ventures.
With ICR’s major announcement to build a robust science museum and planetarium on our campus, as well as our plans to produce more high-quality DVD series like Unlocking the Mysteries of Genesis and Made in His Image, we are moving into a new era of strategic influence that fulfills our unique mission to reach multiple generations for Christ. ICR has the scientific prowess, artistic and intellectual skills, and biblical commitment to raise our effectiveness to new levels—but not without significant help from God’s people to fully develop these powerful initiatives.
This Thanksgiving, please prayerfully consider how you can “give thanks to the LORD” by partnering with ICR to “make known His deeds among the peoples” (Psalm 105:1). I welcome the opportunity to serve you and invite you to contact me at 800.337.0375 or stewardship@icr.org. Together, we can build a lasting legacy that will reach far beyond our lifetimes and into eternity.
From all of us at ICR, we pray God’s richest blessings on you and your family as we praise Him for all He has done. Happy Thanksgiving!
References
- George Washington’s Thanksgiving Proclamation, October 3, 1789.
- Proclamation of Thanksgiving, Abraham Lincoln, October 3, 1863.
- Mohler, R. A., Jr. Thanksgiving Without a Giver? On Faith. Posted on faithstreet.com/onfaith November 24, 2006, accessed September 25, 2015.
* Mr. Morris is Director of Donor Relations at the Insti-tute for Creation Research.
