Some feel badly about feasting on Thanksgiving. Gluttony jokes abound. Others only see the tradition of eating as tied to the “first” turkey day. Many eat without knowing why they eat. But I think #Thanksgiving is a great day to enjoy a feast with others. Why?
Meals are rich in meaning in the Bible. They symbolize intimacy, promised fellowship. With others. With God. Indeed, one of the wonders of the gospel is that the God of the universe dines with us (Ex 24:8-11; Mk 14:22-24)! Picture yourself seated at Jesus’ table. Amazing grace.
Meals are also an occasion for gratitude. When we sit to eat, we’re reminded of our mortality, how we depend upon the Lord for “life and breath and everything” (Acts 17:24-25, 28). This is one reason why Christians traditionally give thanks (“say grace”) before meals.
We “forget not all His benefits” and “recount the steadfast love of the Lord ... according to all that the Lord has granted us” (Psalm 103:2; Isaiah 63:7). And then we feast. Our eating prompts thanks-giving.
Therefore, it’s wonderfully appropriate to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday with a shared meal. Whether your meal today is extravagant feast or a simple dinner, crowded with people or adorned with a few — or even if it’s just you — eat, remember, and give thanks.
But don’t be “grateful” to nobody in particular; direct your thanks specifically and personally to God. Most of all, give thanks to Christ for the gift of salvation.
For whom and for what do you thank God today? Eat. And give thanks.
For whom and for what do you thank God today? Eat. And give thanks.
“I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds. I will be glad and exult in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High.” (Psalm 9:1-2)
