Thanksgiving Day is a national holiday in the United States, and Thanksgiving 2021 occurs on Thursday, November 25. In 1621, the Plymouth colonists and the Wampanoag shared an autumn harvest feast that is acknowledged today as one of the first Thanksgiving celebrations in the colonies. For more than two centuries, days of thanksgiving were celebrated by individual colonies and states. It wasn’t until 1863, in the midst of the Civil War, that President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national Thanksgiving Day to be held each November.

What does the Bible say about Thanksgiving? Well, obviously nothing specifically about the American holiday of Thanksgiving. However, the Bible does have a lot to say about having a thankful spirit. Our holiday of Thanksgiving is supposed to be a time of reflection, and a time to remember and be grateful for every blessing we have, large or small. Thanksgiving and gratitude are things that God expect us to practice every day – not just on a holiday. So this Thanksgiving holiday – and every day – meditate on these verses.

Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. - Psalm 100:4

I will praise God’s name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving. - Psalm 69:30

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. - 1 Chronicles 16:34

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. - 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. - Philippians 4:6

I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds. - Psalm 9:1

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. - Colossians 3:15

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. - Colossians 4:2

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. - Colossians 3:17

Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe... - Hebrews 12:28