Thanksgiving Day Resources
As much as I agree with the sentiment of “giving thanks every day,” Thanksgiving Day is special because in 1621 the Pilgrims and the Native Americans came together in peace and to give thanks to God for His Providence. With that in mind, here are some resources for your commemoration of the historic Thanksgiving Day.
Jean Leon Gerome Ferris: The First Thanksgiving, 1621
{{PD-1996}} – public domain in its source country on January 1, 1996 and in the United States.
Providential History and Thanksgiving Day
Unfortunately, many historians (Christian or not) think of history as having to do with autonomous man. Additionally, they see history through the lens of a dialectical philosophy and dualism—which is what Plato did.
It’s common for many Christian historians to approach history through a humanist lens as if God is far off and distant. But, God isn’t far off and distant. He is real and actively involved in the lives of men and nations.
That’s the case for the historic Thanksgiving Day. God prepared the Separatists through Pastor Robinson’s teachings on Biblical principles for all of life and learning. As a result, they traveled westward as Pilgrims to propagate the Gospel in this land. That was their response because of Holy Spirit’s work within their hearts and minds through the Protestant Reformation. What we see is continuity in history—and real cause to effect because of the Gospel and man’s response to Holy God.
Therefore, the resources that we recommend are not from a humanist view of history. Rather, they’re from a Providential view of history which shows progress as God’s story of Liberty for the individual and nations moves forward.
Thanksgiving Day Providential History Resources
Book (Primary Source): Of Plymouth Plantation by Governor William Bradford
Article: The Legacy of Pastor John Robinson by Dr. Paul Jehle of Plymouth Rock
Article: Jamestown and Plymouth: America’s Parent Colonies by Dr. Paul Jehle of Plymouth Rock Foundation
Article: The Harvest Festival of Thanksgiving by Dr. Paul Jehle of Plymouth Rock
Article: Prayer and a Day of Thanksgiving by Dr. Paul Jehle of Plymouth Rock
Audio Download: An Old-Time Thanksgiving read by Jeanette Whittaker of Pilgrim Institute
Audio Download: The Pilgrim Economy—a Pattern of Pattern of Christian Stewardship for Today by James B. Rose
Audio Download: The Pilgrims and Their Pastor by Mrs. Ruth Smith of Pilgrim Institute
Book (primary resource): Of Plymouth Plantation by Governor William Bradford
Book (primary resource): Mourt’s Relation
Coloring Page (Printable): The Mighty Works of God by Pilgrim Institute
DVD: Monumental Movie with Kirk Cameron and Marshall Foster
Online Video: The Pilgrim’s Constitutional Legacy with ProvidenceMag.com
Online Video: Remembering the Pilgrims by Mrs. Ruth Smith of Pilgrim Institute
Online Video: Thanksgiving: Celebrating the History & Traditions with Dave Stotts | Drive Thru History Special
Podcast: The Biblical and Colonial Roots of American Liberty by Dr. Paul Jehle of Plymouth Rock
Podcast: Governor William Bradford | Historical Thanksgiving Day Series by the Principles in Practice Homeschool Podcast
Podcast: Reformation in England and Life in Holland | Historical Thanksgiving Day Series by the Principles in Practice Homeschool Podcast
Podcast: Goodbye Holland, Hello New World | Historical Thanksgiving Day Series by the Principles in Practice Homeschool Podcast
Podcast: Challenges, Providence, and Giving Thanks | Historical Thanksgiving Day Series by the Principles in Practice Homeschool Podcast
Teaching Packet: Plimoth Plantation Day by The Foundation for American Christian Education
