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Contrary to popular opinion, the formal act of giving thanks to God did not begin with the pilgrims in 1621. This practice occured many times in the OT under Noah, David, King Hezekiah, and Daniel. Originally, the Plymouth Colony celebration of Thanksgiving spanned three days. Following a very brutal winter, Govenor William Bradford issued a declaration for people to thank God for protecting them during that timeas well as providing a very bountiful harvest. 168 years later in 1789, in response to the House and Senate, George Washington declared October 3rd as Thanksgiving Day as a day of prayer and thanksgiving. Following this Thanksgiving day, it was observed sporatically until 1863 when Abraham Lincoln fixed it as a regular national (Sixteen years later, this holiday spread to Canada). Thanksgiving has generally stripped of the central role that God played as the recepient of the Thanks. 'Thanks' is often relegated to family, health and if the previous year was good for the person. Rather than God being at the center of the holiday, rather than worship at the altar of Yahweh, any semblence of worship is now before the TV screen and the 12 disciples have been replaced by wide receivers, linebackers and fullbacks. |
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