The demise of Thanksgiving into “turkey day” is well documented (including “wobble & gobble” walks/runs). But that was not always so. Past Presidents of the United States have looked beyond mere pardoning of a turkey to embrace the truest sense—and person—of this national holiday in their Presidential Proclamation of Thanksgiving day. Abraham Lincoln was most eloquent:

They [the many tangible evidences of prosperity and freedom] are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy. It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and one voice by the whole American People. I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens. (emphasis mine)

For this very reason we at Tenth gather on Thanksgiving day: to thank our Heavenly Father for all of his gracious mercies to us as a church family who know this God personally and intimately. Who else really knows how to thank the Almighty well for his mercies except those of us who have personally received of grace and know the Giver?

Tenth tradition is to gather on Thanksgiving day for one hour to worship our benevolent Heavenly Father through song, prayer, and preaching. We also desire to honor him by sharing financially with two ministries serving our Lord in our great city:

• The City School (K-12 grade) reaching and teaching the next generation with a Christian worldview, academically rigorous education couched within a spiritually nurturing and loving atmosphere.
• The Philadelphia Access Center provides help, hope and healing through social services, biblical counseling, and community outreach in South Philadelphia.

We want to share in the eternal blessings these two ministries have accomplished in so many lives.

Psalm 116:12 poses this question: “What shall I render to the Lord for all his benefits to me?” How will you answer this year? May I suggest we follow the psalmist’s suggestions:

I’ll lift high the cup of salvation—a toast to God!

I’ll pray in the name of God;

I’ll complete what I promised God I’d do,

and I’ll do it together with his people. (The Message)

See you on Thanksgiving morning at 11 AM—at Tenth, with his people, before the Throne of Grace—to celebrate our God and give him thanks.