Why Celebrate Thanksgiving?

Why do we celebrate Thanksgiving as a national holiday? Why do you and your family celebrate this day? What is so special about this day? The first "Thanksgiving" celebration in America has been a debated one for many years. Many say it was a time to thank the Indians for helping the Pilgrims survive their first year in the New World. Some argue that it was a time to celebrate a new start in a new land. However, I say thanksgiving's most basic meaning is giving thanks to the LORD God for His provisions in our lives.

The LORD has been providing since the first humans were created. After Adam and Eve sinned, God provided a sacrifice for their sin. When God decided to destroy the world with a flood, He provided for Noah by saving him and his family in an ark. After telling Abraham to sacrifice his son of promise on an altar, God provided a ram instead. Because of the Israelites' cries in captivity, God provided a deliverer named Moses to lead them to the promised land. As Haman sought to destroy all Jews, God provided a queen and her uncle to save them from this evil plot. When flanked by her enemies, God provided a king to fight against and subdue them. On and on it goes; the LORD provides for His people. Most importantly though is His provision of a Savior. When man sought to go his own way and rule his own life, God sent His only Son, Jesus, to seek those who are lost in order to save them from their sins. Aren't you thankful that God provides? This is thanksgiving's ultimate focus.