JUST THINKING: Why Thanksgiving?

      I was just thinking about the wonderful gatherings of the R.P. and Joan Mitchell family on Thanksgiving for many years. Although this tradition no longer takes place, the memories remain strong. Thanksgiving continues to be my favorite national holiday. So, why is Thanksgiving special?

It is Part of the Christian Influence

      Several may oppose my opinion, but the concept of “separation of church and state” is a fallacy. It is not suggested anywhere in the U.S. Constitution. Thomas Jefferson presented that view in a letter to the Danbury Baptist Association, not in the halls of Congress. He merely remarked that the “Establishment Clause” of the First Amendment could be seen as “building a wall of separation between church and state.”

      The United States has never designated any religion as its national religion, but it has struggled to ensure that the free exercise of religion is not prohibited. Despite opposition to national times of prayer and thanksgiving, the influence of Christianity is unmistakable throughout our nation’s history.

Occasions Prior to Thanksgiving Day

      For most of my adult life, I have heard an outcry about why times of national prayer should not be recognized. Yet prior to the first proclamation of Thanksgiving Day in 1774, the First Continental Congress began with prayer. Continuing through 1784, 16 proclamations were made calling on the nation to pray and fast on behalf of America. Apparently, they didn’t get the separation of church and state memo!

The Church that Worshiped in the U.S. Capitol

      Many people ignore that for years, before the U.S. Capitol was used by either the House or Senate, public worship took place there every Sunday at 11 a.m. Statuary Hall was filled with worshippers, constituting the largest church in the region. President Thomas Jefferson, who made the comment about the wall of separation, worshipped there every Sunday morning.

The Marks of Christianity on the Monuments of Washington D.C.

      Karen and I have always remembered our trek down the staircase of the Washington Monument. We were amazed by the scripture verses engraved on the walls at every landing. Verses from both the Old Testament and New Testament testify to the influence of Christianity and show evidence of its presence on federal property.

      The Lincoln Memorial has speeches carved into its walls that quote Scripture. The Senate, House and Supreme Court begin their sessions with prayer, and both houses of Congress have full-time chaplains. So, where is that wall?

A Time to Thank God for His Blessings

      While many have relegated Thanksgiving Day to “Turkey Day,” it is much more. With 248 years of reflecting on God’s goodness and mercy, it is time to acknowledge that these blessings come from the Heavenly Father who has His hand on our nation. Thanksgiving Day is coming next week. Karen and I will host our family, inviting them to our home for a time of giving thanks to the Lord, who has blessed us abundantly. I pray your family can do the same.

      “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever” (Psalm 118:1).