Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his steadfast love endures forever.    1 Chronicles 16:34 ESV

Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise. Psalm 95:2 ESV

This week we celebrate our American holiday of Thanksgiving. Do you know who we give thanks to at Thanksgiving? If you said God or Jesus, you are right! We celebrate this holiday every November because of something that happened over 400 years ago.

A group of people from England and the Netherlands, the Pilgrims, came to America for religious freedom, to worship God how they wanted. In the fall of 1621, they had a feast to celebrate a good harvest of all they had planted and hunted. They invited the Wampanoag native people to join them. The Wampanoag also brought food to share. They might have had foods like corn, pumpkin, carrots, seafood (they lived on the coast), deer and duck. And maybe even turkey!

What kinds of food do you and your family have for Thanksgiving? What’s your favorite thing to do at Thanksgiving? This week I am going to ask you to write a poem like this one to share with your family on Thanksgiving.

Give Thanks to the Lord!

Thank you, Lord, for tasty turkey and family time, and

Homes that are warm and cozy, filled with love, and

All animals, especially my pets, like dogs and cats, and

Nights filled with stars and the beauty of Your creation, and

Knowing that you love me, the kindness you show, and

Smiles and sisters and brothers, and Your salvation!

This poem is called an acrostic poem. The first letter of each line spells out a word. Do you see the word THANKS? You can use any word; THANKS, or your first or last name, or a longer one like THANKSGIVING. Each line starts with the letter. You can add other things that start the same, too. Your mom and dad can help and maybe even make their own acrostic poem, and you can all share them on Thanksgiving!

Blessings and praise as you give thanks to the Lord!