Weekly Opinion Editorial
NEW
BIRTH OF FREEDOM
by Steve Fair
The Bible encourages believers to continually offer a 'sacrifice of praise to God' and to enter His gates with thanksgiving. Christians are instructed to thank God in all circumstances- both in good and challenging times. True biblical thanksgiving involves acknowledging all good gifts come from a sovereign, eternal God.
In America, the event most commonly associated with the "first Thanksgiving" was a three-day feast in the autumn of 1621 following the Pilgrims' first successful harvest. The Wampanoag people, who had helped the colonists survive their first year, joined them for the meal.
In 1789, President George Washington proclaimed the first National Day of Thanksgiving. Other presidents made similar proclamations, but it was not until 1863 that Abraham Lincoln declared a national Thanksgiving to be held on the last Thursday of November. In 1941, after a 36-year lobbying effort by journalist Sarah Hale. Congress officially established Thanksgiving as the fourth Thursday in November. Most Americans view Thanksgiving as a day to feast, watch football and plan Black Friday shopping, but it should be a day they count their blessings. Three observations:
First, Americans should be a thankful people. Few people in history have experienced the fundamental rights of freedom and democracy like Americans. Americans have economic prospects like few other citizens in the world. The founders of the United States established a self-governing system that puts citizens in control of their government. The people hold power, exercised through a system of elected representatives rather than through direct democracy. The U.S. is a democratic republic with a constitution that provides the framework for the representative democracy.
Second, Americans should be a hopeful people. A key feature of the American Dream is the foundational belief hard work and perseverance can lead to a better life. Americans have always been a hopeful people. The American narrative has always emphasized resilience and an ability to "renew ourselves" and "reach for the light" after division or setbacks. President Ronald Reagan quoting President Teddy Roosevelt said, "We, here in America, hold in our hands the hope of the world, the fate of the coming years; and shame and disgrace will be ours if in our eyes the light of high resolve is dimmed if we trail in the dust the golden hopes of man."
Third, Americans should be a resolved people. Americans are politically deeply divided. A record number of citizens (80%) believe the country is divided on core values. Most would like to see civility and common ground restored in the political arena. A significant number of Americans don't trust their government. Despite the perception of deep division, Americans often agree on more issues than they realize, but finding that common ground has become next to impossible.
Elected officials refuse to work together because they would rather settle for nothing than something. The uncompromising, inflexible, hardline approach to policy creates disunity and strife.
President Abraham concluded the Gettysburg Address by saying: "It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us—that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion—that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain—that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom—and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth."
On this Thanksgiving Day 2025, America could use a 'new birth of freedom.'
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