The Mayflower Compact
Ancient Fathers Still Speak WisdomDear Friends:
The American Puritans did more than any other group in modern church history to promote the idea of days of thanksgiving. For the Puritans, who did not recognize or celebrate a formal liturgical calendar, it was the responsibility of local congregations to declare and set aside special days of rejoicing to communicate appreciation for the providential blessings and deliverances of God. But the practice of celebrating days of thanksgiving is deeply rooted in Holy Scripture, with its known origin in the ancient Hebrews. Esther 9:19 give us one such example in which thanksgiving was declared for the deliverances of God, and expressed through feasting and gift-giving:
"Therefore the Jews of the villages, that dwelt in the unwalled towns, made the fourteenth day of the month Adar a day of gladness and feasting, and a good day, and of sending portions one to another."
THANKSGIVING READ-ALOUD
For an encouraging family read-aloud article on the Mayflower Compact, Pilgrims, and patriarchy, click here.
Or, to download for your Thursday dinner a copy of Felicia Dorothea Hemans' classic Thanksgiving poem, click here.
PSALM 100
Psalm 100 is specifically designated as a psalm of thanksgiving. It was a favorite of the Pilgrims who incorporated it into their regular psalmody. To read a commentary on Psalm 100 by Charles Spurgeon, the "Prince of Preachers," click here.
A SPECIAL SEASON
Bless God, we have much for which to be thankful. Like every opportunity in life, this year's celebration will only happen once and then it will be gone forever. Make the most of it by reminding your loved ones and your friends just how much you love them. More importantly, give thanks to the Lord God, for His mercy endures forever.
In the words of the Pilgrims' Geneva Bible, "It is He that made and not we" (Psalm 100). This means we have no right to demand blessings. He is the Creator, we are the creature. We deserve nothing from His hand but judgment, and yet he has been merciful and kind to each of us in a thousand remarkable ways. Thanks be to our great God and provider.
Gratefully,
Doug Phillips
The Mayflower Compact
