Pilgrim Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is coming up this Thursday! It's one of my favorite days of the year because it is a day when we can all actually stop and devote a whole day to thanking our Creator for the many blessings that He has given us.

Here's a few interesting facts on the holiday to remember as you feast, pray, fellowship and give thanks.

The Mayflower anchored in the New World on November 11, 1620 after 66 days at sea.

That first winter of 1620 was terribly difficult. They lived out of the ship until houses could be built, but having arrived just as winter was setting in left them with precious little food, and no time to establish themselves. The pilgrims began to ration what food they did have, and at one point each person was only allowed 5 kernels of corn per day. Half the group perished that first winter.

Spring brought help for the pilgrims. The Lord granted the pilgrims favor in the sight of the native tribes and they signed a peace treaty. The natives also helped them learn to plant foods that would grow in the American climate.

Fall of 1621 brought a good harvest, and the pilgrims were very grateful to the Lord for blessing them with their native American friends and a good crop. To celebrate, they held a three day feast with the Wampanoag people. This is what is traditionally called "The First Thanksgiving."

What are you grateful for this year?

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