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Thanksgiving celebrations were an important part of the people's worship before God. Throughout history, worshiping communities have set aside certain times and days as events of special thanksgiving to God.
When Israel was preparing for a new life in the promised land, God gave them the instruction, "Celebrate the Festival of Ingathering at the end of the year, when you gather in your crops from the field" (Exodus 23:16). Thanksgiving celebrations were an important part of the people's worship before God. Throughout history, worshiping communities have set aside certain times and days as events of special thanksgiving to God. These events are an acknowledgement that God, as creator, is also the provider of all the bounty of life.
In addition, churches are encouraged to schedule multiple times of thankful worship as determined by their experiences. When special blessings are experienced, when fervent prayers have been answered, when times of prosperity come, or when God has led and protected through times of trial or uncertainty, the church does well to gather in thankful worship before God.
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