Topical Bible: Entertainments: Began With Thanksgiving

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In the biblical context, entertainments and celebrations often began with an expression of thanksgiving, reflecting a deep-seated acknowledgment of God's providence and blessings. This practice is rooted in the understanding that all good things come from God, and thus, any form of celebration or entertainment should commence with gratitude.

The concept of thanksgiving as a precursor to celebration is evident in various biblical narratives. One of the earliest examples can be found in the Old Testament, where the Israelites were instructed to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles. This feast was a time of rejoicing and entertainment, marked by the giving of thanks for the harvest and God's provision. Leviticus 23:39-41 states, "On the fifteenth day of the seventh month, when you have gathered in the produce of the land, you are to celebrate the feast of the LORD for seven days. The first day is a Sabbath rest, and the eighth day is also a Sabbath rest. On the first day you are to take the branches of majestic trees—palm branches, boughs of leafy trees, and willows of the brook—and rejoice before the LORD your God for seven days."

In the New Testament, the theme of thanksgiving preceding celebration is further emphasized. The Apostle Paul, in his letters, frequently exhorts believers to give thanks in all circumstances. In 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 , he writes, "Rejoice at all times. Pray without ceasing. Give thanks in every circumstance, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." This passage underscores the importance of a thankful heart as the foundation for any form of rejoicing or entertainment.

The practice of beginning entertainments with thanksgiving is also reflected in the life of Jesus Christ. Before performing the miracle of feeding the five thousand, Jesus gave thanks for the loaves and fishes. John 6:11 records, "Then Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed them to those who were seated, as much as they wanted; and He did the same with the fish." This act of thanksgiving before a communal meal can be seen as a form of entertainment, where the miraculous provision led to a shared experience of joy and satisfaction.

Furthermore, the early Christian community is depicted as one that regularly engaged in communal meals and fellowship, often beginning with thanksgiving. Acts 2:46-47 describes, "With one accord they continued to meet daily in the temple courts and to break bread from house to house, sharing their meals with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people." Here, the act of breaking bread and sharing meals was accompanied by praise and thanksgiving, setting the tone for their gatherings.

In summary, the biblical tradition of beginning entertainments with thanksgiving is a testament to the recognition of God's sovereignty and generosity. It serves as a reminder that all celebrations should be rooted in gratitude, acknowledging the divine source of all joy and provision.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Samuel 9:13
As soon as you be come into the city, you shall straightway find him, before he go up to the high place to eat: for the people will not eat until he come, because he does bless the sacrifice; and afterwards they eat that be bidden. Now therefore get you up; for about this time you shall find him.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Mark 8:6
And he commanded the people to sit down on the ground: and he took the seven loaves, and gave thanks, and broke, and gave to his disciples to set before them; and they did set them before the people.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Christ in the Garden
... most alluring colours: gaming, elaborate entertainments, music, song ... from the
neighbouring house began repeating in ... sing her canticle of thanksgiving and enter ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bertrand/saint augustin/v the christ in the.htm

The Alarum
... and if they came to present thanksgiving, it would ... and spiritual banquetings, for
the king's entertainments are not ... cataract; persons on the shore began to cry ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/the alarum.htm

Patriotic Hymns.
... at church festivals and village entertainments, but the ... that bears his name, and
then began the struggle ... thy children entreat, Hear our thanksgiving ascend to ...
/.../brown/the story of the hymns and tunes/chapter ix patriotic hymns.htm

The Morning-Meal in the Pharisee's House - Meals and Feasts among ...
... The blessing and the thanksgiving are allowed to be said ... At ordinary entertainments,
people were to help themselves ... the Scribes and the Pharisees began to press ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xii the morning-meal in.htm

The Ordinances of the New Testament.
... It began after the dismissal of the catechumens, by ... hands to God in petition or praise
and thanksgiving. ... In the semi-theatrical church entertainments men may ...
//christianbookshelf.org/orr/the gospel day /chapter viii the ordinances of.htm

Hymns, Festival and Occasional.
... "His reign of peace upon the earth began,". ... God of harvest praise; In loud thanksgiving
raise Heart ... church festivals, charity fairs and entertainments of similar ...
/.../brown/the story of the hymns and tunes/chapter xiii hymns festival and.htm

The Gospel Supper
... part of the Jews) with one consent began to make ... us, as to be kept thereby from
spiritual entertainments. ... upon him in your hearts by faith, with thanksgiving. ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/the gospel supper.htm

Church Fabrics and Services.
... had passed, some little attention began to be ... in Lent,[1006] comparatively few
entertainments, public or ... and liberties, but for pious thanksgiving, for keeping ...
/.../the english church in the eighteenth century/chapter x church fabrics and.htm

Abraham, his Trial in Egypt; his Humility
... Idolatry, began from pride, [871]25; principle of argument against it, [872]113;
held by the wiser heathen in a different sense from the vulgar, [873]ib. ...
/.../abraham his trial in egypt.htm

Memoir of John Bunyan
... So he began and said, This night, as I was in my sleep I dreamed, and behold the
heavens grew exceeding ... 'This also have I taken notice of, with thanksgiving. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/memoir of john bunyan.htm