Quaker Thanksgiving

After the Pilgrims and the Puritans, the Society of Friends - more commonly called the Quakers - came to our Colonial shores. Despised and persecuted by the Puritans, some even executed in the Massachusetts Bay Colony, the Quakers nevertheless came in great numbers. They served vigorously in political offices for many years and shaped not only the state of Pennsylvania, but the entire country into being more accepting of different faiths, including the Native Americans.

But they did not recognize - or celebrate - any holy days, or as we call them now, holidays. The Quakers believed that Christ ruled in every day, and that they should not set one day ahead of any other. In essence, they believed that every day was Thanksgiving. Every day was Christmas. Every day was Easter. 

How would our lives be different if we looked at each day this way? How would we treat one another? What would our families look like? How would this strengthen our relationship with the Lord? Would it color how we saw the world around us?

The Quakers have been radically transformed over the years, especially in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Now there are many form of Quakerism, the majority of which no longer profess to be Christian at all.

Let's remember that in their beginnings, Quakers were a devout and powerful influence for Christ here in Colonial America. And for this season, let's all strive to treat each day as if Christ rules in it. (Because - you know - He does!) Let's hold on to that while driving to the stores this Black Friday, while trying to find a parking spot, while standing in the checkout lines. Or maybe ... just stay home and enjoy this day the Lord has made!

~ Pegg Thomas