Getting to the Heart of Thanksgiving
Will your Thanksgiving look more like this?
Or More Like This?
Regardless of how you’re planning the holidays, don’t let anxiety destroy the focus! This may be challenging with the looming reports of COVID-19 infections, hospitalizations, and requests to “celebrate responsibly.” It is important to give the option to those who are vulnerable to be protected. It is also important for those who are not at risk, to live their lives as normally as possible. However, the real challenge to achieving victory as a family, is to move past anxiety and to focus on the heart of Thanksgiving.
Reflection to Help Prepare for the Holiday
Don’t Let Anxiety Cancel Your Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is a reflection of the Lord’s miraculous intervention in the history of our country. The roots of our Thanksgiving holiday date back to the Pilgrims and Puritans as they settled in America.
In 1620, the Pilgrims began a 65 day voyage across the Atlantic. Their landing in New England soon brought a severe winter that took the lives of half of their community. The following autumn, after being redeemed by the blessing of a successful harvest, they celebrated with a Thanksgiving gathering.
Two years later, the Pilgrims again faced devastating hardship, this time in the form of a severe drought. In response, they gathered together in an all day prayer service to seek God’s help. It is recorded that at the end of the day the weather broke, and for the next fourteen days “a gentle rain” restored the land and saved their harvest. What the Pilgrims celebrated that summer was considered their first official Thanksgiving holiday.
Lie: Self preservation is the greatest good. I need to look out for myself and take care of what I have.
Truth: The Holy Spirit that guides me is the greatest good. He has a plan for me and my family this Thanksgiving.
Thanksgiving Origins
Thanksgiving is a reflection of the Lord’s miraculous intervention in the history of our country. The roots of our Thanksgiving holiday date back to the Pilgrims and Puritans as they settled in America.
In 1620, the Pilgrims began a 65 day voyage across the Atlantic. Their landing in New England soon brought a severe winter that took the lives of half of their community. The following autumn, after being redeemed by the blessing of a successful harvest, they celebrated with a Thanksgiving gathering.
Two years later, the Pilgrims again faced devastating hardship, this time in the form of a severe drought. In response, they gathered together in an all day prayer service to seek God’s help. It is recorded that at the end of the day the weather broke, and for the next fourteen days “a gentle rain” restored the land and saved their harvest. What the Pilgrims celebrated that summer was considered their first official Thanksgiving holiday.
Getting to the Heart of Thanksgiving
God delivered the Pilgrims in their time of overwhelming hardship. He is the same powerful God who can rescue us from the struggles we currently face. This holiday, if we have reason to praise, let us be thankful and praise together. If we are suffering, reach out to the Lord with others in prayer. Let’s take time to step back from the hustle and bustle, and reflect on our dependence and relationship with the Lord. Whether it is in the midst of struggle or celebration, God is with us!
This Thanksgiving holiday CCA prays that the Lord Bless you and keep you. Protect you and guide you in all your ways.
Need extra help getting past anxiety this Thanksgiving and Holiday Season? Schedule a counseling visit with us. We will help you identify the problems that have you emotionally stuck and immediately develop strategies to help face the challenge. Call (724) 396-1510 to speak to one of our expert, faith-based counselors.
