全世界有許多國家都會慶祝感恩節，例如加拿大與聖露西亞的感恩節是在10月，賴比瑞亞將感恩節定在11月初，而美國和澳洲則在每年11月底慶祝這個節日。其他像英國、巴西、盧安達、菲律賓等國家，也都有專為感恩而設立的非官方節日。

當全國人民一起表達感恩時，那股力量是極其強大的，這也是我們從歷代志上16章中所看到的畫面。當時大衛王召集以色列百姓，一起為著上帝的同在、保護和應許而獻上感恩。這感恩的儀式也標誌著他們重新迎回「上帝的約櫃」（1節），約櫃象徵上帝的同在，如今被安放在耶路撒冷，百姓都為此歡欣鼓舞。大衛帶領以色列百姓讚美上帝，提醒眾人上帝如何在他們攻佔迦南地時親自護衛他們（18-22節），並頌讚上帝信實地成就祂的應許（15節）。

如果你與親友們一起慶祝感恩節，不妨考慮將之變成感恩聚會，一起回顧這一年來，你如何經歷上帝的同在、保護與應許。無論你所在的國家是否將感恩節定為國定假日，我們都可以花些時間來「稱謝耶和華；因祂本為善，祂的慈愛永遠長存！」（34節）

Canada and the island of Saint Lucia celebrate a Thanksgiving holiday in October. Liberia sets aside a day for giving thanks at the beginning of November, while the United States and Australia mark the annual holiday at the end of the month. Other countries, including the United Kingdom, Brazil, Rwanda, and the Philippines, have unofficial days to foster gratitude.

There’s something powerful about a nation collectively expressing gratitude. It’s a picture we see when King David assembled the nation of Israel to give thanks to God for His presence, protection, and promises. The celebration marked the return of the “ark of God” (1 Chronicles 16:1). The people rejoiced that the ark, a symbol of God’s presence with them, was in Jerusalem. As David led Israel in praise, he reminded them of God’s protection as the nation conquered the land of Canaan (vv. 18-22) and celebrated His faithfulness to fulfill His promises (v. 15).

If you celebrate a Thanksgiving holiday with friends and family, consider making it a gratitude gathering and reflecting together on the ways you’ve experienced God’s presence, protection, and promises over the past year. Whether or not you live in a country that officially celebrates Thanksgiving, each of us can take time to “give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever” (v. 34).