The holiday season officially begins with Thanks and is followed by giving; John3:16. Some find “Happy Holidays” offensive declaring it is taking the Christ out of Christmas. Some feel it merely links Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years as one; hence “Happy holidays”. Christmas has become so commercialized it could easily be called Givemas; with merchants displaying Givemas trees.
It would seem too early to consider Christmas since Thanksgiving is yet to come; but, the Givemas spirit immediately follows Halloween with Christmas items lining store shelves the following day. Although Halloween is not an official holiday; it is a religious day for Pagans and has gradually become included in the “Holiday” season.
Thanksgiving is four days away. When you think of Thanksgiving, what comes to mind? For most it is Pilgrims and Indians, turkey, family, food and extra pounds. Here’s another thought, the Proclamation of Thanksgiving written by Abraham Lincoln on October 3, 1863.
Here are some excerpts of Lincoln’s Proclamation
The year that is drawing towards its close, has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature, that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever watchful providence of Almighty God
No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy. It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and one voice by the whole American People. 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.
The official holidays of this country which was proclaimed to be “One nation under God” begin with THANKS, followed by Giving “CHRISTMAS” and culminating with a new beginning “NEW YEARS”.
God Bless America and Have a wonderful, praise filled Thanksgiving!
http://showcase.netins.net/web/creative/lincoln/speeches/thanks.htm
