The first recorded Thanksgiving came about in the early 1600s shortly after the landing of English colonists at P l ymo uth, Mass. These colonists were the Pilgrims, also known as separatists. They were zealous, dedicated Christian believers who had been part of the Church of England. They objected to what they saw as worldliness, compromise and halfhearted Christian living. As a result, they left the Church of England and met in homes. They worshipped in secret to avoid arrest and persecution.
Eventually, many of them decided to move to Holland. Holland was a liberal nation, but they could live in peace and worship as their conscience directed. However, they soon became concerned with the influence of Dutch culture upon their children. They felt that some of that influence worked against the strict Christian beliefs that they were trying to pass on to their children.
The colonists wanted to come to the New World primarily so their families could have the freedom to serve the Lord according to the Bible. Secondly, they were also hoping for a better economic and financial future. Additionally, many wanted to bring the gospel to the Native American people.
They left Plymouth, England in September of 1620. The voyage was difficult and dangerous, with many storms. They arrived in November, and finally settled in Plymouth Bay, Massachusetts in December 1620. They solemnly dedicated themselves to God in the Mayflower compact. We know for certain from Gov. William Bradford’s massive historical diary that the Pilgrims dedicated the continent to Christ, for the spread of the gospel, and to demonstrate a city set on a hill for the world.
However, the winter was difficult and over half of the colonists ultimately died. Rather than focus on the large number who had died, they rejoiced that nearly half of them still lived, and they gave thanks to God! What tremendous upright character they demonstrated. They had a deep love for God. Their excellent example encourages me as I endeavor to walk with the Lord!
In March 1621, the colonists were visited by two Native Americans from nearby tribes, both of whom spoke English. One of those men, Squanto, was a member of the Pawtuxet tribe and had been sold into slavery in England before eventually finding his way back home. Squanto taught the Pilgrims to grow food and catch fish in the unfamiliar terrain.
In November 1621, the Pilgrims celebrated their first successful corn harvest by inviting a group of their Native American allies to a large celebratory feast. The first Thanksgiving lasted three days! Two years later, the Pilgrims held a second Thanksgiving feast to celebrate the end of a drought that nearly destroyed their crops. What followed was about 50 years of peace between the Pilgrims and the Native Americans.
Truly this nation was born in the powerful influence of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The intention of the Colonists was, through the Gospel, to benefit and bless the entire continent!
