Part 1: Thanksgiving and the WMSCOG’s Feast of Harvest (Weeks)

A. Thanksgiving – A Biblical Tradition of Gratitude

WMSCOG Claim: Thanksgiving is forbidden because it resembles pagan harvest festivals, and they observe their own Feast of Harvest, which they claim is the New Covenant fulfillment of the Old Testament Feast of Weeks (Pentecost).

The Biblical and Christian Meaning of Thanksgiving

1. Thanksgiving’s Christian Origin:

   Thanksgiving as we know it began with the Pilgrims in 1621, who gathered to thank God for His provision, survival, and the harvest. Their celebration included prayers of gratitude, feasting, and fellowship.

2. Giving Thanks to God is Biblical:

   Gratitude to God is a core theme throughout Scripture:

   • Psalm 107:1:“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever.”
   • Colossians 3:17:“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”

3. Praying Over Food in Jesus’ Name:

   • The WMSCOG criticizes Christians for praying over food during Thanksgiving, calling it “pagan.”
   • However, Jesus Himself gave thanks before meals:
     • Luke 22:19: “And He took bread, gave thanks, and broke it, and gave it to them.”

Key Point: Praying over food and gathering to thank God for blessings is not pagan; it is a biblical expression of gratitude.

B. WMSCOG’s Feast of Harvest (Pentecost)

The WMSCOG rejects Thanksgiving because they believe they already observe the Feast of Harvest, claiming it is fulfilled as Pentecost under the New Covenant.

1. Old Testament Origin:

   The Feast of Harvest (Feast of Weeks or Shavuot) was an annual celebration of the firstfruits of the wheat harvest:

   • Exodus 34:22:“Celebrate the Festival of Weeks with the firstfruits of the wheat harvest.”

2. New Testament Fulfillment:

   The Feast of Harvest finds its spiritual fulfillment in Pentecost:

   • Acts 2:1-4:“When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place... All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit.”
   • Pentecost marked the spiritual harvest—the beginning of the Church and the gathering of believers through the Holy Spirit.

3. Thanksgiving vs. Pentecost:

   • Pentecost is a liturgical feast celebrating the Holy Spirit’s outpouring.
   • Thanksgiving, on the other hand, is a cultural day of gratitude to God for physical and spiritual blessings.
   • These two celebrations do not conflict; they serve different but complementary purposes.

Key Point: The WMSCOG’s rejection of Thanksgiving is unfounded. Thanksgiving is not an attempt to replace Pentecost; it is a separate practice of giving thanks to God for His goodness and provision.

C. Is Thanksgiving Pagan Because of Harvest Traditions?

The WMSCOG argues that Thanksgiving resembles ancient pagan harvest festivals, making it “idolatrous.”

1. Similar Traditions Do Not Make It Pagan:

   Just because pagans had harvest festivals does not mean thanking God for His provision is inherently pagan.

   • Biblical Examples of Harvest Thanksgiving:
     • Deuteronomy 26:10: “And now I bring the firstfruits of the soil that You, Lord, have given me.”
     • Offering firstfruits was a biblical act of gratitude.