The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Leviticus 7:11-13 reads, “Now this is the law of the sacrifice of peace offerings which shall be presented to the LORD.

12 ‘If he offers it by way of thanksgiving, then along with the sacrifice of thanksgiving he shall offer unleavened cakes mixed with oil, and unleavened wafers spread with oil, and cakes of well stirred fine flour mixed with oil.

13 ‘With the sacrifice of his peace offerings for thanksgiving, he shall present his offering with cakes of leavened bread.”

The word “thanksgiving” is mentioned some 30 times in both the Old and New Testaments. When combined with “thanks,” mention swells to 169 occurrences.

The actual number of instances, however, is of less importance than the quality of the occasion itself. We live in a world, however, where words are often carelessly tossed about.. We often say “thank you” without mentally calculating the purpose for saying it.

The fourth Thursday of November in every given year is officially constituted as “Thanksgiving Day.” The day, viewed as a “federal holiday, originated from harvest celebrations held by the Pilgrims in 1621…when they feasted with Native Americans after a successful harvest. Thanksgiving then evolved into a time for giving thanks and enjoying time with loved ones.”

What we must never forget, however, is that Thanksgiving is more than a mere national celebratory occasion. It is a time of spiritual remembrance, as noted in Psalm 126:3, “The LORD has done great things for us; we are glad.” Nor was this time a terminus of His doings for us. Thus, we have every reason to be glad, regardless of the celebratory aspects of the occasion. May God continue to bless America’s future as He has America’s past. And may we so live that our celebrations are never in vain.

Heartily in Christ Jesus,

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.

Springdale, Arkansas

United States of America

“We never know that Christ is all we need until He becomes all that we have.” – Corrie ten Boom