America observes Thanksgiving - Part 1

 A Time to remember

The national observance of Thanksgiving is unique to America. It is both distinctly Christian and exclusively American it is a holiday for celebrating faith, family, and freedom. Let’s examine the rich heritage of this American Holiday.

In 1609 a group of Christians known as Puritans fled religious persecution imposed by the Church of England to Holland. In Holland persecution was not as prevalent but continued making it increasingly harder for the Puritans to make a living. In addition there was increasing concern that the young were becoming attached to the Dutch ways. They feared that soon they would become Dutch in tastes and habits, and that their descendants would be likely not only to lose the English language and character, but also to allow the precious fire to die out on the altar. A removal seemed to be demanded. The resolution to settle in North America became fixed.

Finally on September 16, 1620, after years of planning and preparation the tiny band of Puritans accompanied by the ships crew became what we now know as pilgrims, 102 in total.

The long trip led to many disagreements between the Puritans and the ships crew. After land was sighted a meeting was held and an agreement was worked out known as the Mayflower Compact, which guaranteed equality and unified the two groups. They joined together and became what we now know as the Pilgrims totaling 101 now due to the death of one crewmember during the voyage. The Mayflower Compact was penned on November 11 and signed on November 21, 1620. This document established the foundation of Christianity in the New World and established the basis of government. It was at this time that John Carver was elected as Governor.

On December 22, 1620 the Pilgrims planted their feet on the Rock of Plymouth, and began a new era in the history of the world. The day and the rock became canonized in American history and embodies Christian ideas and associations. The first act of the Puritans, after landing, was to kneel down and offer their thanksgiving to God, and by a solemn act of prayer, and in the name and for the sake of Christ, to take possession of the continent. They thus repeated the Christian consecration which Columbus, more than a century before, had given to the New World, and so twice in the most formal and solemn manner was it devoted to Christ and Christian civilization.