“I’m stuffed!” So said the turkey as it went into the oven yesterday. And so say many of us as we finally stopped eating all the delightful dishes we enjoyed yesterday. No matter what your family traditions might be, in America, we set aside this one day to indulge in and celebrate the abundance we have. In our community, and I suspect many other communities, free Thanksgiving dinners are available so that everyone, rich or poor, gets in on the feast.

Seated at the table, families all across the country shared food, conversation, laughter, and gratitude for the things that matter. For food, of course, because this one meal represents the hundreds we’ve eaten this past year. For the family, whatever it looks like, because these are our people, who love us no matter what. For freedom, because we live in a country where freedom is enshrined in our laws, where we just had a nationwide election where no one was coerced to vote a certain way, where we voted without fear, and where we all agree to live with the outcome. For all the other good things that may have occurred; healing from an illness, cherished memories of loved ones long gone, a graduation, a wedding, a newborn child, a new job.

But to whom should we be thankful? Who is the giver of all these blessings? These gifts, and greater gifts than these, have a source . The gift of life; our very being without which none of the others would have meaning, where does it come from? The common blessings of air and water, rain and sun, where do these originate?

It is, of course, to God, the Maker of heaven and earth, that we owe our gratitude. And whether our blessings are meager or rich, the triune God, who is sovereign over all creation, pours out His steadfast love and forgiveness of sin in Christ Jesus, His Son, to all who will believe.

Maybe it sounds contradictory, but true gratitude begins with mourning. That is, unless we become convicted of our unworthiness to receive any blessing because of our sinfulness, we cannot be properly grateful to God for rescuing us and then pouring out blessing after blessing besides.

There is an account of a special thanksgiving day found in the Old Testament book of Nehemiah. The occasion was the completion of the rebuilding the wall around Jerusalem. The Book of the Law had been retrieved, and all the people gathered to listen as Ezra the priest read it to them. The result was mourning, followed by a great celebration. May it be so in your house.

And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people, for he was above all the people, and as he opened it all the people stood. And Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God, and all the people answered, “Amen, Amen,” lifting up their hands. Nehemiah 8:5-6 (ESV)

And Nehemiah, who was the governor, and Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, “This day is holy to the LORD your God; do not mourn or weep.” For all the people wept as they heard the words of the Law. Then he said to them, “Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” So the Levites calmed all the people, saying, “Be quiet, for this day is holy; do not be grieved.” And all the people went their way to eat and drink and to send portions and to make great rejoicing, because they had understood the words that were declared to them. Nehemiah 8:9-12 (ESV)