For churches within the World Olivet Assembly, Thanksgiving is a cherished opportunity to reflect on the immeasurable goodness of God and to unite as a global community of believers. Rooted in faith and service, World Olivet Assembly congregations around the world gather to celebrate this day with worship services, acts of generosity, and testimonies recounting the Lord's blessings. Thanksgiving becomes not merely a tradition but a heartfelt expression of gratitude for God's enduring provision, grace, and love.
The origins of Thanksgiving provide a profound backdrop for this celebration of faith. In 1620, a group of English Pilgrims, seeking the freedom to worship God according to their convictions, embarked on the Mayflower's treacherous voyage to the New World. After enduring months of hardship at sea, they faced a brutal winter that claimed the lives of many in their community. Yet, in the midst of their trials, the providence of God was evident. Through the assistance of the Wampanoag people and the guidance of Squanto, the settlers learned to plant crops, hunt, and thrive in their new land.
In the fall of 1621, these grateful Pilgrims joined the Wampanoag in a three-day feast to thank God for His provision and celebrate the harvest. Though the exact menu is a matter of historical curiosity, the essence of that gathering-unity, gratitude, and reliance on God-remains timeless. It echoes the truth found in 1 Thessalonians 5:18, which instructs believers to "give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
As the decades passed, Thanksgiving evolved into an enduring tradition in the United States, and in 1863, President Abraham Lincoln declared it a national holiday. However, its Christian roots remain central to its significance. For World Olivet Assembly churches, this day is an opportunity to remind the faithful of God's unfailing grace and the abundant blessings He bestows, both seen and unseen.
Olivet churches observe Thanksgiving with deep reverence and communal joy. Worship services are filled with songs of praise, heartfelt prayers, and sermons that magnify God's faithfulness. Members often testify to how the Lord has worked in their lives throughout the year, sharing stories of His provision, protection, and guidance. Acts of service and giving are also central, as congregations extend the love of Christ to those in need, embodying the heart of Thanksgiving.
The Pilgrims' story serves as an enduring testament to God's faithfulness amid hardship. It reminds believers of the importance of trusting in the Lord during every season of life. Just as the Pilgrims gave thanks in the face of adversity, Christians today are called to offer gratitude not only for material blessings but for the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ.
This Thanksgiving, World Olivet Assembly churches around the globe join together in remembering God's goodness and proclaiming His love. May the spirit of gratitude, unity, and generosity inspire believers everywhere to give thanks with a joyful heart, lifting up praise to the One who sustains and blesses His people in every circumstance.