In the United States, Thanksgiving is a very special day—a day set aside for giving thanks—which also happens in several other countries, at different times. The Bible is filled with the joy and blessings that come from sincerely praising, glorifying, and giving thanks to God, and the necessity and naturalness of doing so. Many people also think of this day as a time to gather with family and friends. And then there are the Christian Scientists and others who look forward with joyous enthusiasm to the Thanksgiving service as the best part of the day. This service, which Mary Baker Eddy made provision for, includes testimonies given by Christian Scientists in Churches of Christ, Scientist, around the world. The Thanksgiving Day service can be a catalyst for some wonderfully special time spent in the sanctuary of quiet communion with God. It can turn out to be a day like no other, where the spiritual insights, revelations, and growth in grace are taken to new heights.
You will never feel alone on Thanksgiving when you are in quiet communion with God. Feeling His beneficent presence is deeply satisfying and stirs us to a greater love for all mankind. It’s clear throughout her writings that Mrs. Eddy felt the expression of gratitude was important. For example, she includes these words in the Manual of The Mother Church: “Gratitude and love should abide in every heart each day of all the years” (p.60).
Because we are in truth the children of God, expressing His love, it is innate for us to feel gratitude. Perhaps you have felt an unbidden sense of gratitude well up when witnessing or experiencing a Christian Science healing, or when hearing news of an inspiring resolution to a world, national, or community need.
