It may surprise you to learn that, strictly speaking, Thanksgiving Day is not a “holiday”–at least not in the strictest sense of the term. Traditionally, holidays are by definition religious occasions (”holy day”). Thanksgiving is not a sacred event, but rather is a national day of observance. To put it another way, Thanksgiving has more in common with Halloween than Christmas, though all three are considered “holidays” by most Americans.

Even though Thanksgiving is no Easter, it is right and proper for Christians to delight in Thanksgiving, and for reasons besides patriotism or tradition. Giving thanks is, after all, a biblical concept. Psalm 100:4 says, “Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name (KJV).” There are many other verses I could have cited. We Christians of all people should be characterized by a life of thanksgiving. And every year, this particular day of observance reminds us of that fact. So enjoy a wonderful Thanksgiving Day with your family and friends.

P.S. If you are interested, every year the President of the United States issues an official Thanksgiving Day proclamation. You can read President Bush’s 2008 proclamation here. To see President George Washington’s original proclamation, check out this website.