Some years ago it was pretty common, in the circles in which I lived, to hear someone lamenting the commercialization of Christmas, the celebration of the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. “Why do they have to rob the season of its true meaning?” some would say. To escape the worldly merriment, many decided to make Thanksgiving their holy day (holiday) of choice. They supposed that it would be much more difficult for the world to corrupt the theme of “Thanksgiving.” Unfortunately, they were wrong. It’s not the emphasis on turkey and dressing, or family and feasting that is troubling, but the fact that most of the world has forgotten the One to whom we owe our debt of gratitude. You would not have to search very hard to find an article that encourages thanks to family and friends, or dentist and doctor, mailman or maid, with no mention of God, the Giver of every good gift. (James 1:17)
The Psalms are replete with verses to help us focus on the proper recipient of our praise. For instance, Psalm 92:1 declares, “It is a good thing to give thanks unto the LORD, and to sing praises unto thy name, O most High:” Another very fitting call to thanksgiving is Psalm 105:1, “O give thanks unto the LORD; call upon his name: make known his deeds among the people.” Psalm 106:1 suggests a worthy theme for our gratitude, “Praise ye the LORD. O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.” Nor should our Thanksgiving be limited to times of festivity if you consider Psalm 119:62, “At midnight I will rise to give thanks unto thee because of thy righteous judgments.”
I for one, refuse to surrender yet another day of our national tradition of recognizing God and His wonderful gifts to men. As a matter of fact I believe I’ll just start celebrating the Lord’s goodness early this year. “Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise Him, all creatures here below; Praise Him above ye heavenly host; Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost!” Amen!