The Kerusso – November | 2024 Kerusso (Greek): “To publish, proclaim openly: something which has been done.”
Thanksgiving is About Much More than Pumpkins Max Edwards
In late November of 1620, a group of Christian settlers from Holland landed off the coast of what is now Massachusetts and Cape Cod. They had come seeking religious liberty … the freedom to worship Almighty God, out from under the oppressive overwatch of European tyrants. Unfortunately, the settlers were unprepared for how harsh their first winter would be in this newly established colony. Only about half of them would survive to see the spring of 1621. But with the aid of an English-speaking Indian named Squanto, the Pilgrims learned to build stronger and more sturdy homes. “Signing of the Mayflower Compact” by Jean Leon Gerome Ferris Governor William Bradford’s writings recalled that Squanto was “a special instrument sent by God for their good beyond their expectations…” In the fall of 1621, the Pilgrims, Squanto, Chief Massasoit, and the Wampanoag people feasted on maize and wild game, giving thanks to God. This would be the headwaters of the celebration we know as “Thanksgiving Day.” Please don’t miss the solidly Christian underpinnings of this American holiday. The Pilgrims signed onto the “Mayflower Compact” before making landfall. It is a document which deeply influenced the writing of the Declaration of Independence and US Constitution. In the Compact, these freedom-seekers openly declared their intentions: “In the name of God, Amen. We, whose names are underwritten … Having undertaken for the Glory of God, and Advancement of the Christian Faith, and the Honour of our King and Country, a voyage to plant the first colony in the northern parts of Virginia; do by these presents, solemnly and mutually in the Presence of God and one of another, covenant and combine ourselves together into a civil Body Politick, for our better Ordering and Preservation, and Furtherance of the Ends aforesaid …” The old English may take a bit of time to weed through, but the motivation of the group, and ultimate goals are clear; to seek the Glory of God and the advancement of Christianity. They wished to be governed democratically, rather than to languish under the ungodly lordship of an earthly King. When we sit down at the table with our family and friends in the coming weeks, I hope that we might take a few minutes to recognize the heart of these pilgrim disciples. Their Governor for 30 years, William Bradford, penned these words that we might do well to reflect upon this Thanksgiving: “Thus out of small beginnings greater things have been produced by His hand that made all things of nothing, and gives being to all things that are; and as one small candle may light a thousand, so the light here kindled hath shone to many, yea in some sort to our whole nation; let the glorious name of Jehovah have all the praise.” (excerpted from William Bradford’s work, ‘Of Plymouth Plantation.’)