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The Greek word for “thanksgiving” is “eucharist.” The Eucharist is technically Thanksgiving in the New Testament.
[Jesus] took bread, and when he had given thanks [eucharist], he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me” (Luke 22:19, ESV).
Today, when we celebrate Thanksgiving, biblically, we celebrate the Eucharist. The words in the Greek are a fit for Thanksgiving along with celebrating the Lord’s Supper at church.
Please explain further, Pastor Grant!
The church began calling the Lord’s Supper “Eucharist” in the first or second century. They didn’t have Google® to keep the words straight, and there wasn’t a Thanksgiving holiday adding to the confusion.
But it makes sense, as Jesus gave “thanks” or “eucharist” when He broke the bread of the Lord’s Supper.
Let’s note that in Luke 22, Jesus said “eucharist” and not “communion,” which is the most used word for the Lord’s Supper today. We now understand how the words “thanksgiving” and “eucharist” both connect with the Lord’s Supper.
But where did the word “communion” originate?
Again, back in the first or second century, there was no Google or Elon Musk or “X” to keep things coherent.
The early Christians didn’t have cathedrals for what the Anglicans call “high communion,” or warehouses turned into church buildings for more lowly “communion.” They met in homes around a table for a communal meal, and the Lord’s Supper became a part of that meal.
As the Apostle Paul reported Jesus saying. . .
For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes (1 Corinthians 11:26).
Christians met in houses for a common meal (communion), which included the eucharist — as they gave thanks for the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. All of these elements of community, thanksgiving, and bread and wine celebrated the Lord’s Supper.
Now, back to our Thanksgiving holiday.
Today, we gather in our homes for a common meal to show gratitude for our nation, family, and the blessings of life — not far from the practice of the early church.
But let’s add Jesus today.
Before the turkey, dressing, cranberries, rolls, butter, pumpkin pie, and buttered carrots, and then more turkey and dressing, rolls, butter, pumpkin pie, and buttered carrots — until we fall asleep in a food coma while watching football.
Let’s take a moment to pray with family and friends, giving the “eucharist” or “thanks” for the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus.
Happy Thanksgiving!