Thanksgiving

Definition and Meaning

Thanksgiving, or gratitude (Korean gamsa, 感謝), means being grateful for the grace and help one has received and expressing that gratitude. In Christianity, thanksgiving is not merely a matter of courtesy between people. It refers to the attitude and practice of faith by which believers give thanks to God, who created the world, governs it by providence (His care for and guidance of the world), and grants salvation. Thanksgiving is expressed not only as a confession of the heart but also through prayer, praise, offerings, and sharing with one's neighbors.

Biblical and Historical Background

The Hebrew word todah, translated "thanksgiving" in the Old Testament, denotes both a confession of thanks and a thank offering. Leviticus 7 sets out the regulations for presenting a peace offering as a thanksgiving (see Old Testament sacrifices). The Psalms contain many songs of thanksgiving, such as "O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever" (Psalm 136:1). The harvest festivals of the Feast of Weeks and the Feast of Tabernacles also have the character of thanksgiving.

The Greek word corresponding to "give thanks" in the New Testament is eucharisteō. At the feeding of the five thousand, Jesus took the loaves and gave thanks (John 6:11), and at the Last Supper He likewise took bread and gave thanks (Luke 22:19). In the account of the ten lepers (Luke 17:11–19), only one of the ten who were healed, a Samaritan, returned to give thanks. Paul taught, "In every thing give thanks" (1 Thessalonians 5:18), and in Philippians 4:4–6 he urged believers to make their requests known to God with thanksgiving. The term "Eucharist," used for Holy Communion, also derives from the Greek word for "thanksgiving."

Practice in the Korean Church

The Korean church has given concrete expression to thanksgiving through seasonal observances and offerings. Most churches observe Harvest Thanksgiving in November, and many also observe Firstfruits Thanksgiving (the barley harvest thanksgiving) around the summer. On these occasions, members present thank offerings, and sanctuaries are sometimes decorated with grain and fruit. Some have proposed aligning the observance with the Korean harvest season or Chuseok rather than following the date introduced from the United States. Throughout the year as well, it is widely customary to write "reasons for thanksgiving" on offering envelopes and to hold thanksgiving services for occasions such as birthdays, school admissions, new employment, business openings, and moving into a new home. Prayers of thanks before meals, keeping a gratitude journal, and sharing a testimony during worship are also common practices.

The emphasis placed on thanksgiving varies somewhat among denominations. The Anglican Church of Korea calls its communion service the "Holy Eucharist" (literally "Thanksgiving Communion") and understands the sacrament itself as a service of thanksgiving. In its explanation of prayer, the Westminster Shorter Catechism, a standard doctrinal document of Presbyterian churches, names the thankful acknowledgment of God's mercies as one element of prayer. Many churches adopt "give thanks in all things"—giving thanks not only in good times but also in hardship—as a motto for the Christian life.