Ask This: When was the first Thanksgiving meal? (Let them answer) History tell us that it occurred with the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag Indians in 1621, but the first Thanksgiving dinner actually occurred centuries earlier. Take a look at this video which shows the very first Thanksgiving meal.
Watch This: (you can stop at 3:45…)
Say This: When we think about Thanksgiving, Jesus and the Last Supper usually doesn’t come to mind. The truth is that without his sacrifice on the cross, we would really have no reason to be thankful. Jesus loved us so much that He was willing to pay the price for our sins that we could never pay. His willingness to go to the cross allows our sins to be forgiven, and gives us hope for this life and for eternity. Now that is a reason to be thankful.
Did you notice that after seeing a vision of his betrayal and crucifixion, Jesus immediately gave thanks to God? Even in His most difficult hour, Jesus knew that God was good and that He would be faithful. Like Jesus, we should try to be thankful even when we face difficult circumstances.
Read This: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Ask This:
- Why should we be thankful for Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross?
- How does it give us hope?
- Can you think of a difficult circumstance that you or our family has faced?
- Can you think of any reason you/we can be thankful for that?
- How can we follow the advice of 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 and continually rejoice, pray, and give thanks?
Try this: Lead your family through the “I’m Thankful For” activity (download here). Explain that you will collectively name things to be thankful for that begin with each letter of the alphabet. Make it fun by taking turns going around the table, or by writing down the first thing said for each letter.