11.23.15 

They soon FORGOT His works; they did not wait for His counsel, but lusted exceedingly in the wilderness, and tested God in the desert. - Psalm 106:13-14 NKJV. 

Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving. – Colossians 4:2 NKJV. 

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NKJV.  

The first shopping day after Thanksgiving is known as “Black Friday.” Although in recent years, the shopping has begun on Thanksgiving Day. Wal-Mart and other stores are gearing up for Black Friday this year. The online Wal-Mart ad says this: “Are you sitting down? We hope so because Walmart’s Black Friday 2015 ad is finally here! This ad proves why people GO CRAZY for Walmart on Black Friday. It includes 32 pages of deals and doorbusters on the year’s hottest gifts.” Have you ever gone crazy for Wal-Mart sales on Black Friday, or some other store’s sales? 

There is a television ad for Buick which shows one man who bought a new car on Black Friday, and another man holding his purchases saying he saved hundreds who has a black eye. Maybe a better name for Black Friday would be Black-Eye Friday. There is a website called blackfridaydeathcount dot com which lists some of the deaths and injuries that have occurred since 2006. So, maybe Black-Eye Friday is a better name for this shopping frenzy. Greed (or lust) may be one factor in making people go crazy shopping, but there are other reasons: time pressure, doorbusters, and competition are some of them. 

The first Thanksgiving took place in 1621 as the Pilgrims gave thanks for God's provision and protection. In December 1777, George Washington proclaimed a Thanksgiving after the defeat of the British army at Saratoga as a victory celebration. Thanksgiving was celebrated nationally in 1789 after another proclamation of then President George Washington. Thanksgiving has been celebrated as a national holiday in the United States since 1863 when President Lincoln proclaimed a national day of “Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens.” It is celebrated on the last Thursday in November. 

What is the first thing that we think of when we think of Thanksgiving? Is it the mad rush to buy gifts for Christmas, the decorating, and events of the season? In the celebration of Christmas, let us not forget the reason for the season, let us not forget about God. Let us pause to give thanks! This year instead of “going crazy” every day between now and Christmas with all the shopping, and decorating, and preparing; take a few moments to start every day remembering what we are celebrating, and the wondrous gift of salvation that has been given to us. Let us not forget that we do have much to be thankful for.  

May you have a happy, safe, and blessed Thanksgiving!!