Chaplain’s Corner

Chaplain’s Corner Post 291
November 2022

Well, here we are into the holiday season.  The center of November is Thanksgiving.  Whether we agree of the founding tradition of Thanksgiving with the Pilgrims or a day that developed into a holiday of giving thanks, Thanksgiving is part of America’s fabric and identity.

Here are a few historical quotes on Thanksgiving:

President George Washington, “It is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favors.”

President Abraham Lincoln, “I do, therefore, invite my fellow-citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next as a Day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the heavens.”

Thanksgiving did not become a national holiday in the United States until the fall of 1863 when President Abraham Lincoln issued a proclamation declaring that the last Thursday in November would be a day of national thanksgiving.

The Scriptures remind us page after page to give thanks to our God.  “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:16-17

“Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song.” ~ Psalm 95:1,2

“I always thank God for you.” ~ 1 Corinthians 1:4

“Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.” ~ Psalm 100:1-5

“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.” ~ Psalm 107:1

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. He chose to give us birth through the word of truth that we might be a kind of first fruits of all he created.” ~ James 1:17-20

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” ~ Philippians 4:6-7

A thankful heart makes a joyful life.
God bless.

For God and Country