Thanksgiving Parade
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A Thanksgiving parade has become an American tradition, as not one, but two or three major city spectaculars are broadcast yearly on national television. Waking up on that holiday morning and turning on the television to see larger-than-life balloons and fancy floats has long been a part of these annual traditions. The very first celebration is recorded in the Bible, and though the people did not have television to see the ceremony, the children of Israel, or God's people, saw and practiced their own observance of thanks and gratitude.
The first gratitude holiday was recorded in the Book of Leviticus and is listed as a number of sacrifices that God ordained and specified to His people. "And this is the law of the sacrifice of peace offerings, which he shall offer unto the Lord. If he offer it for a thanksgiving, then he shall offer with the sacrifice of thanksgiving unleavened cakes mingled with oil, and unleavened wafers anointed with oil, and cakes mingled with oil, of fine flour, fried." (Leviticus 7:11-12) From the time recorded in Leviticus until the death of Christ, giving ceremonial thanks was a command of God through Thanksgiving traditions. In modern days, living in the era of grace, because of Christ's work on the cross, people are no longer commanded, but are encouraged to keep a heart of gratitude. The response to God's grace and mercy should be a heart of gratitude. This can be done by adding a float representing Christ at a Thanksgiving parade.
Through the years, Christians have appointed special days and times to continue in the original holidays with praise and focused gratitude towards God. The Pilgrims celebrated God's provisions on Plymouth Rock and in 1863. President Lincoln also selected a day for giving thanks, and that is the day that Americans celebrate today. When researching the heritage of Thanksgiving traditions, it has been found that the United States is rich in Christian history and Biblical observances.
In the heart of the original and the national Thanksgiving traditions, be sure to take the time to reflect on all that there is to thank God for every year. Make spending time with the Lord as much a part of a family remembrance as a Thanksgiving parade. When watching a parade and eating a wonderful turkey feast, remember to add prayers of thanks and worshipful praise to every family's holiday.
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