John G. Kruis is pastor of the Christian Reformed Church of Sussex, New Jersey. What an exciting time that was, the first Thanksgiving Day in America, in November 16211 The Pilgrims of the Plymouth Colony had suffered much in their first year in the new land. About one half of the colony died in that […]
Our national holiday of Thanksgiving is almost exclusively regarded as a day of rejoicing. It is on this day that we remind ourselves of the material gifts which we have received. We often boast of the fact that the United States is the most prosperous nation on the globe. We seem to have the idea that […]
Have you ever wondered what Thanksgiving Day is like for the unbeliever? For many, the day is spent much as we spend ours…at first glance. They have the day off from work or school, as we do. They eat a large meal with turkey and stuffing and enjoy gathering with friends and family, as we […]
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Phil. 4:13) Growing up in Michigan I recall Thanksgivings where snow covered the ground and relatives filled our home. It was quite the festive time! I remember being very excited to see family I saw all too infrequently, and how wonderful it was to smell […]
“I will take the cup of salvation…” Psalm 116:13a In ancient times, a king customarily held a feast following a great victory. At the feast, he would lift up and drink deeply from a cup of wine as a symbol of deliverance and thanksgiving. In the Lord’s Supper, God’s people lift up and drink deeply […]
“Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. […]
“Blessed are all who fear the Lord, who walk in His ways” (Psalm 128:1) Back in high-school, I worked part-time at a restaurant. One of my jobs at the end of the night was to take inventory. I was responsible to determine what was left in the freezer. I would check off a stock list […]
“Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Ephesians 5:20) Thanksgiving Day is a national holiday in both Canada and the United States. Canada celebrates the holiday in October as the crops are coming out of the field; the United States celebrates in November […]
“Oh that men would praise Jehovah for His lovingkindness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men.” (Psalm 107) Readers in Canada have just finished celebrating Thanksgiving Day; those in the United States anticipate celebrating the holiday at the end of November, It may serve us well to ask ourselves the question as to […]
“You crown the year with Your goodness, and Your paths drip with abundance.” — Psalm 65:11 One of the most popular songs we sing at Thanksgiving time contains these words: “Come, ye thankful people come, Raise the song of harvest home.” For many people, it is hard to raise the song of “harvest home.” They […]