Giving Thanks
Giving Thanks
By Jason Stern
Originally Published in A Bit of History - Louisiana Family Advocate, November 2002
"Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, [and] into His courts with praise: be thankful unto Him, [and] bless His name." Psalms 100:4
In 1621, after a hard and devastating first year in the New World the Pilgrim's fall harvest was very successful and plentiful. There was corn, fruits, vegetables, along with fish and meat that was smoke cured over fires. Edward Winslow, a leader of the colony recounts:
"Our harvest being gotten in, our governor sent four men on fowling, that so we might after a special manner rejoice together after we had gathered the fruit of our labors. They four in one day killed as much fowl as…served the company almost a week. Many of the Indians coming amongst us…with some ninety men, whom for three days we entertained and feasted, and they went out and killed five deer, which they [gave us]. Although it be not always so plentiful as it was this time with us, yet by the goodness of God, we are so far from want that we often wish you partakers of our plenty."
The deepest roots of our Thanksgiving celebration are found in our Judeo-Christian heritage. Our celebration is derived from The Feast of Tabernacles, or Sukkoth, which has been celebrated for over 3000 years! When celebrating Sukkoth, the Jewish people build small huts of branches, which recall the tabernacles (booths) of their ancestors. These huts are constructed as temporary shelters, as the branches are not driven into the ground and the roof is covered with foliage. Inside are hung harvested fruits and vegetables, including apples, grapes, corn, and pomegranates. Moses and the Israelites lived in these as they wandered the desert for 40 years before they reached the Promised Land.
Here in Louisiana, we have a unique culture that adds a bit more spice to our Feast in Thanks to God. Many Americans will have turkey, but in Louisiana, turkeys will be fried, blackened and some will be turned into turduckens! There may even be a Cochon du Lait and some jambalaya to go with the pumpkin pie!
On this day of Thanks to God, make a point of recognizing the King of kings for His bountiful blessings. It’s more than just eating and football. Take time to count every blessing and to give thanks to the Lord for all He has done for you and yours.
By Jason Stern
Originally Published in A Bit of History - Louisiana Family Advocate, November 2002
"Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, [and] into His courts with praise: be thankful unto Him, [and] bless His name." Psalms 100:4
In 1621, after a hard and devastating first year in the New World the Pilgrim's fall harvest was very successful and plentiful. There was corn, fruits, vegetables, along with fish and meat that was smoke cured over fires. Edward Winslow, a leader of the colony recounts:
"Our harvest being gotten in, our governor sent four men on fowling, that so we might after a special manner rejoice together after we had gathered the fruit of our labors. They four in one day killed as much fowl as…served the company almost a week. Many of the Indians coming amongst us…with some ninety men, whom for three days we entertained and feasted, and they went out and killed five deer, which they [gave us]. Although it be not always so plentiful as it was this time with us, yet by the goodness of God, we are so far from want that we often wish you partakers of our plenty."
The deepest roots of our Thanksgiving celebration are found in our Judeo-Christian heritage. Our celebration is derived from The Feast of Tabernacles, or Sukkoth, which has been celebrated for over 3000 years! When celebrating Sukkoth, the Jewish people build small huts of branches, which recall the tabernacles (booths) of their ancestors. These huts are constructed as temporary shelters, as the branches are not driven into the ground and the roof is covered with foliage. Inside are hung harvested fruits and vegetables, including apples, grapes, corn, and pomegranates. Moses and the Israelites lived in these as they wandered the desert for 40 years before they reached the Promised Land.
Here in Louisiana, we have a unique culture that adds a bit more spice to our Feast in Thanks to God. Many Americans will have turkey, but in Louisiana, turkeys will be fried, blackened and some will be turned into turduckens! There may even be a Cochon du Lait and some jambalaya to go with the pumpkin pie!
On this day of Thanks to God, make a point of recognizing the King of kings for His bountiful blessings. It’s more than just eating and football. Take time to count every blessing and to give thanks to the Lord for all He has done for you and yours.
posted by Jason at 11/03/2005 09:15:00 AM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home