The Spiritual and Historical Significance of Thanksgiving: Christian Roots of Thanksgiving

Let's explore the Christian Roots of Thanksgiving

Each year, our country sets aside a special holiday known as Thanksgiving. This holiday, more than any other, provides an opportunity for all of us to reexamine what America is truly about, both spiritually and historically. To understand this, we might begin with the discovery of America, a pivotal moment that set the stage for the nation's spiritual heritage.

Exploring the Christian Roots of Thanksgiving.

The Discovery of America: Columbus's Spiritual Journey

Most people have little idea of the spiritual motivations behind Christopher Columbus's journey. When thinking of the Christian roots of Thanksgiving, it may surprise many to learn that Columbus was apparently a Spirit-filled Christian. His own words, found in his logbooks, reveal his deep faith. Columbus wrote, "It was the Lord who put into my mind... the fact that it would be possible to sail from here to the Indies. All who heard of my project rejected it with laughter, ridiculing me. There is no question that the inspiration was from the Holy Spirit because he comforted me with rays of marvelous inspiration from the Holy Scriptures."

Columbus's name, Christopher, means "Christ-bearer," reflecting his belief that God had given him a special calling. His journal quotes from Isaiah, which he felt prophesied his destiny: "Listen to me, O coastlands, and hearken, ye peoples from afar. The Lord hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath he named my name. I will give thee a light to the nations that my salvation may reach to the end of the Earth."

The Role of Jewish Influence and Maritime Technology

In the 15th century, Portugal was Europe's dominant sea power, and Lisbon was the center of navigational science. Columbus arrived there around 1476, engaging in cartography and learning from the global projections by Eratosthenes, a Greek geographer who had calculated the Earth's dimensions within 10%. Contrary to popular belief, educated people of the time knew the world was round.

Columbus's historic voyage was financed not by the Spanish monarchs but by wealthy and influential Jews, many of whom were converts. The Jewish influence extended to maritime technology, with Hebrew astronomers and cartographers contributing significantly to the age of discovery.

The Spiritual Heritage of Thanksgiving

When exploring the Christian roots of Thanksgiving, it's important to know how it began. Thanksgiving began as a holy day, created by a community of God-fearing Puritans, sincere in their desire to set aside one day each year to thank God for His many blessings. This tradition has its roots in the early settlers' experiences, such as the Plymouth Colony's first Thanksgiving in 1621, where they celebrated with the Wampanoag Indians, giving thanks for their survival and the harvest.

America's Christian Foundations

The founding documents and early proclamations of the United States reflect a deep Christian heritage. The Mayflower Compact, the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut, and the Great Law of the Pennsylvania Colony all emphasized the importance of maintaining and preserving the liberty and purity of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

The Call to Prayer and Action

As we celebrate Thanksgiving, let us remember its original purpose: to acknowledge the provision of God. Let us also pray for the restoration of the religious freedom that the early pilgrims cherished so dearly. The challenges we face today require us to hold our elected representatives accountable and to use both the ballot box and our prayer closets as powerful tools for change.

Conclusion

Thanksgiving is more than just a holiday; it is a reminder of America's spiritual heritage and the divine providence that has guided its history. As we gather with family and friends, let us give thanks for the blessings we have received and commit to preserving the values that have made this nation great.