How should American Christians celebrate Thanksgiving?

"Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." —1 Thessalonians 5:18

Many Americans would describe Thanksgiving in three ways: food, football, and family fights. But is this what Thanksgiving is all about? Sure, we can be thankful for our delicious food, the chance to relax, and (hopefully) good times with family. But Thanksgiving provides an opportunity for SO much more.

A History of Thanksgiving In America

A Thanksgiving of sorts was first celebrated in Massachusetts in the year of 1621, in the month of December—not November. The Pilgrims had arrived in what they deemed the "New World" one year earlier. Within the following 12 months, almost half of the original 102 colonists died to scurvy and malnutrition. Morale was understandably low.

Much to Be Thankful For

Thanks to an unexpected trading vessel, the colony was saved, and by the end of their second year, the harvest was plentiful. The Wampanoag chief of the nearby indigenous peoples signed a treaty of alliance with the Pilgrims that summer.

They spent December 13 thanking God for all the blessings He had given them. Records show that around 90 tribesmen attended the celebration with the Pilgrims, bringing turkeys and venison to add to the feast. The colonists had fled religious persecution and now enjoyed the freedom to practice Christianity without being harassed by their government.

Lincoln Reminds America to Be Thankful

Later, various American presidents would establish single days of Thanksgiving for different celebratory reasons, but the call to be grateful was often forgotten for decades. By 1863, the Civil War had been going on for 2 years, and the country turned to Abraham Lincoln, who then turned to God.

Lincoln reminded the American people of the blessings they had enjoyed from the "ever-watchful providence of Almighty God." Rather than focusing on how the country was divided, Lincoln urged the Republic to recall and appreciate their blessings rather than what they were pining for₁

Giving Thanks in the Old Testament

"Open for me the gates where the righteous enter, and I will go in and thank the Lord." —Psalm 118:19 (NLT)

Throughout the Bible, we find many of God's people giving thanks. In the OId Testament, the Israelites had fled slavery and persecution, so they sang a song of thanksgiving after they successfully crossed the Red Sea (Exodus 15).

God's people had feast days dedicated to thanking God for His blessings—the Feast of the Passover (Exodus 12:15-20), Pentecost (Leviticus 23:15-21), and the Feast of Tabernacles (Leviticus 23:33-36).

The Book of Psalms has numerous songs of thanksgiving directed toward God. Some are even noted as "thanksgiving psalms" by biblical scholars. In these songs, the psalmist thanks God for His grace, provision, and love (Psalm 118:19; Psalm 34:1-3; Psalm 138:1-2).

Giving Thanks in the New Testament

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." —Philippians 4:6

The New Testament says a lot about thankfulness, such as thanking God for His love, mercy, and grace. In everything we do and every circumstance, we ought to give thanks, allowing gratitude to saturate our lives (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).

Believers ought to reflect on thanking God for His love, provision, and blessings each day. Jesus fully paid the penalty for our sins by sacrificing His life for us, and our gratitude for His gift is universal among Christ followers (John 3:16-17; Romans 6:23). Those who accept Jesus' gift of salvation no longer need fear separation from God. God's great gift of salvation through Christ is something we ought to regularly give thanks to God for.

A Modern American Thanksgiving

Today's American celebrations of the Thanksgiving holiday have gotten a bit distorted from the original meaning. I hope your Thanksgiving is not filled with stereotypical family drama. As believers, our Thanksgiving focus ought to be on expressing gratitude for God's provision in our lives. Whoever you're with this holiday season, maybe you can set the example at the table. Remember our favorite verse?

"Don't let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity." —1 Timothy 4:12

No matter how young you are, you can show others what it means to be respectful, honorable, loving, and kind. Try sharing all the reasons you're thankful—including giving thanks to God. Who knows? It might start some interesting conversations! God will be smiling at your efforts—no matter how they're received.

If You're Not Feeling Thankful

We get it—life isn't always sunshine and magic. Our hearts aren't always happy. Circumstances aren't always ideal. People can be mean. And it can be really hard to find something to be thankful for. It's OK to feel that way. Life is really, really hard sometimes.

Even if you can't find anything in life to be thankful for, remember that you have a Heavenly Father who cares about you immensely—cares enough to die for you so you can live in freedom today and eternally in paradise with Him (John 3:16-17). You are still drawing breath. You are still covered by God's grace and mercy (John 1:17; Titus 3:5; 2 Corinthians 5:21). Those are at least a few things to be grateful for.

And you know what? WE are thankful to YOU for making it here!

RESOURCES: 1. "The Lesser Known History of Thanksgiving." James R. Harrigan. Foundation for Economic Education, Published 11/23/2017. https://fee.org/articles/the-lesser-known-history-of-thanksgiving-in-america/ [Accessed: 11/11/2025]

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