I have always enjoyed my family time of celebration during the fall. As we come together on Thanksgiving Day, it is a good time for reflection as we remember the blessings of the Lord. It is also a time of feasting as we cook the turkey and enjoy a delicious meal.

In the Old Testament book of Nehemiah the writer tells about an elaborate celebration. Nehemiah was given permission to leave the Babylonian exile, and return to his homeland to rebuild the shattered wall of Jerusalem. A miracle occurred. After only 52 days, the task was completed! 

Nehemiah was certainly not the promised Messiah for the Jewish people, but he portrayed Christ in his ministry. He also gave up a high position in the Persian palace (Iran) in order to help his people. He lived a life of prayer with complete devotion to God. Nehemiah was thankful for all God did, so he declared a time of dedication and thanksgiving. 

Nehemiah 12:31, "So I brought the leaders of Judah up on the wall and appointed two large thanksgiving choirs." Ezra's (a direct priestly descendant of Aaron) procession traveled around Jerusalem counter-clockwise and Nehemiah's clockwise, coming together at the temple square. What an amazing sight as you see the double procession for the dedication service. The thanksgiving choir celebrated with gladness and great joy!

The Hebrew meaning for thanksgiving can be:

*an extension of the hand  *adoration  *praise *a choir of worshippers *confession  *an offering

Let us enter this season with much gratitude:

"I will praise the name of God with a song and will magnify Him with thanksgiving" (Psalm 69:30).