| HERALD MINISTRIES EDITORIAL PAGES FROM THE DESK OF THE FOUNDER AND EDITOR OF HERALD MINISTRIES : 11/18/05 “O GIVE THANKS UNTO GOD”
I wonder, as this nation celebrates a day that actually comes from paganism (Halloween) and is observed with pumpkins carved into demonic faces, witches, black cats and now even mock tombstones with hands and feet sticking out of the ground, has this nation turned a supposedly Christian observance of all saints into just another reason to allow our human nature to ‘have its day’? However, before Halloween is even over, the nation begins to prepare for Christmas, with the stores being stocked with items to buy for this occasion, while some stores play “religious songs” trying to get people into the Christmas spirit. (i.e.- buy their merchandise.) However, in between these two pagan observances, there is a day that the Pilgrims actually began to observe. Oh, it’s not part of any church doctrine, and this day is not found as a Holy Day in the Bible; it is called Thanksgiving Day. President Washington proclaimed America’s first national day of prayer and Thanksgiving in 1789. President Lincoln fixed the annual November Thanksgiving Day during the Civil War. However, few recognize it by its title, as most call it ‘Turkey Day’, and the majority of the nation can’t get the meal over with fast enough, because there is football from early morning until late at night. Unfortunately, Thanksgiving has also become a day of excessive drinking and reveling for many. I have asked people, “What do you do when you sit down to Thanksgiving dinner?” Many reply, “We just fill our plates, dig in, and eat, [far more than we should}.” I have asked “Does anyone offer up a prayer of thanksgiving to God for their blessings?” Some tell me “We say grace.” I said, “Oh, you mean you do have a prayer before you eat.” Some answer, “Well, not really, because no one prays in our family, so we wouldn’t know what to say, so we just say the word ‘grace’.” I wonder what God thinks about this nation that brags about it’s foundation and laws being based on the Holy Word of God, and that many who signed the Declaration of Independence were actually ordained ministers, having graduated from religious universities such as Harvard, Dartmouth and Yale. Yet as a nation, we are leaving this same God out of many aspects of our lives. There are 22 chapters in the Book of Psalms that were written about giving thanks to God. However, I think Psalms 136 is the one chapter that truly strikes home to me. Perhaps because we sing it in church, or maybe because of the four words that end each verse “His mercy endureth forever.” The Psalm begins in verse one by stating “O, give thanks unto the Lord; for He is good: for His mercy endureth forever.” In verse 2: “O give thanks unto the God of gods, for His mercy endureth forever. V. 3: O give thanks unto the Lord of lords; for His mercy endureth forever.” Then the chapter tells us of His wonders, His wisdom, and then David covers in this chapter many of the blessings God has provided for His people. Not because we actually deserve these blessings and protection, but because “His mercy endureth forever.” And finally in v. 26: “O, give thanks unto the God of heaven: for His mercy endureth forever.” For those who use this time to watch football, drink too much, eat far too much and call it ‘Turkey day’, why not take some time this year before you eat, with heads bowed and give thanks unto the God of gods and Lord of lords, for the bountiful blessings that He has passed on to this nation. And as a family, thank Him daily for the blessings He has given you and your family. Why not truly observe Thanksgiving Day with prayer and giving thanks to God for all of your blessings? And if you have a concordance, why not check out the many chapters in the Book of Psalms about giving thanks to God. I’m sure it will help your Thanksgiving Day to be more fulfilling and meaningful. After all, His mercy endureth forever. Harold
E. Cormany
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