Podcast Summary

5 Minutes in Church History with Stephen Nichols

Episode: Thanksgiving in Church History
Date: November 26, 2025
Host: Ligonier Ministries

Episode Overview

In this special Thanksgiving episode, Stephen Nichols explores the origins and evolution of Thanksgiving as a holiday in the United States and its deep connections to Christian gratitude throughout church history. Traversing early colonial proclamations, presidential decrees, and reflections from great Christian thinkers, Nichols highlights how thanksgiving has been both a national tradition and a spiritual discipline.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Diverse Origins of Thanksgiving in the Americas

• [00:09] Nichols notes that Thanksgiving isn’t only celebrated in the United States, but also in Puerto Rico, Mexico, and Brazil, all on the fourth Thursday of November.
• The earliest colonial proclamations for thanksgiving were issued in Massachusetts and Connecticut in the late 1600s, focusing on days for “fasting and prayer and the giving of thanks for all of God’s blessings.”

2. The First Recorded Thanksgiving Ceremonies

• [01:10] Virginia's claim: “The first recorded act of Thanksgiving by English colonists in North America occurred in Virginia on December 4, 1619.”
• [01:28] Florida's earlier claim: French Huguenots at Fort Caroline (1564) are credited for “the first Thanksgiving Day service on American soil as they sang hymns, as they gave prayers of thanksgiving, and as they had a feast.”

3. Evolution of Thanksgiving Proclamations

• [02:08] John Hancock, on March 16, 1776, signed a congressional day “of fasting and humiliation and Thanksgiving.”
• [02:22] The Second Continental Congress issued a national proclamation for a day of thanksgiving and praise on December 18, 1777, following American victory at Saratoga.

4. Presidential Influence & Establishment of the Holiday

• [02:44] 1789: George Washington issues the first national thanksgiving proclamation following a congressional resolution.
• [02:55] 1863: Abraham Lincoln sets Thanksgiving as an annual holiday on the last Thursday of November to “unify the nation during the Civil War.”
• [03:08] 1941: Franklin D. Roosevelt signs into law the permanent establishment of Thanksgiving on the fourth Thursday of November.

5. Gratitude in Church History: Voices from the Past

Nichols draws on a legacy of Christian thought to reflect on gratitude:

• Augustine:
  • “O my Lord, let me remember with gratitude and confess to Thee thy mercies toward me.”
  • “Gratitude is the first sign of a thinking, rational creature.” [03:40]
• Anselm:
  • “I th[r]ice owe thee all that I am, O my God.” [04:06]
• Martin Luther:
  • “We cannot give God anything, for everything is already his, and all that we have comes from Him. We can only give him praise and thanks and honor.” [04:13]
• John Calvin:
  • “Gratitude is the only thing of value we have to offer. It seems so small, so inconsequential, yet it is absolutely necessary.” [04:29]
• J. Gresham Machen:
  • Final telegram before his death: “I’m so thankful for the active obedience of Christ. No hope without it.” [04:43]

6. Closing Thoughts

Nichols concludes with well-wishes for American, Puerto Rican, Mexican, and Brazilian listeners, and a heartfelt note of thanks to all:

• “To all of you, I just want to say thank you.” [04:56]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the variety of Thanksgiving’s origins:
  “But Florida has Virginia beat even still. These, however, were not English colonists. These were Huguenots. ... we had our first the Thanksgiving Day service on American soil as they sang hymns, as they gave prayers of thanksgiving, and as they had a feast.” [01:24]

• Augustine’s insight on gratitude:
  “Gratitude is the first sign of a thinking, rational creature.” [03:40]

• Luther’s practical theology:
  “We cannot give God anything, for everything is already his, and all that we have comes from Him. We can only give him praise and thanks and honor.” [04:13]

• Machen’s final testimony:
  “I’m so thankful for the active obedience of Christ. No hope without it.” [04:43]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:09 – Thanksgiving’s international celebration
• 01:10 – English colonists’ first thanksgiving in Virginia
• 01:24 – Huguenots in Florida (1564)
• 02:08 – John Hancock’s 1776 proclamation
• 02:22 – 1777 Continental Congress thanksgiving
• 02:44 – Washington and national Thanksgiving (1789)
• 02:55 – Lincoln’s 1863 proclamation
• 03:08 – Roosevelt codifies the date (1941)
• 03:40 - 04:43 – Insights on gratitude from Augustine, Anselm, Luther, Calvin, and Machen
• 04:56 – Stephen Nichols’ closing thanks

Summary

This brief but enriching episode of 5 Minutes in Church History connects the roots of the Thanksgiving holiday with centuries of Christian reflection on gratitude, offering listeners a deeper appreciation for a day often centered on thankfulness. Nichols’ journey through historical proclamations and poignant quotations from church fathers ties the national holiday to a rich tradition of Christian thanksgiving, reminding us, in Luther’s words, that all we have to give God is “praise and thanks and honor.”