Give Thanks to God

At this time of year as people across America celebrate Thanksgiving, we should take account of all we have to be grateful for in life.

The first national Thanksgiving in America was proclaimed by President Lincoln for the purpose of expressing gratitude after the pivotal victories at Gettysburg and Vicksburg.

Up until this point, there had been little to celebrate in the Union during the Civil War. Few victories had been won. As a result, Lincoln faced intervention and support of the Confederacy by Great Britain and France. These victories had turned the tide toward victory and freedom.

President Lincoln was following in the footsteps of President George Washington who also called for a “day of public thanksgiving and prayer.”  Washington called for this solemn day:

…that we may then all unite in rendering unto him our sincere and humble thanks—for his kind care and protection of the People of this Country previous to their becoming a Nation—for the signal and manifold mercies, and the favorable interpositions of his Providence which we experienced in the course and conclusion of the late war—for the great degree of tranquillity, union, and plenty, which we have since enjoyed

May this be a time of peace and celebration for you and your family as you gather to give your thanks to God for the blessings in your life. I wish you a happy Thanksgiving!

God bless,

David Cerullo