~ 2013 and 79811 Are
Unusual Thanksgivings! ~
Unique
~ Thanksgiving Day 2013 will be
the very first Thanksgiving Day in United Stated history when the first day of
Hanukkah (Feast of Dedication) and Thanksgiving Day occur on the same day. This will not happen again until the year 79811.
Why?
~ In the United States
Thanksgiving Day is always the fourth Thursday in November—which means the latest it can be is November 28 (like it
is this year). The earliest day that the
first day of Hanukkah can occur is November 28.
The last
time these two holidays coincided was in 1861—however, Thanksgiving Day was not
established until 1863 by President Lincoln.
The Jewish
lunar calendar is a tiny bit out of sync with our solar calendar. The earliest the first day of Hanukkah will
be for many future years is November 29.
Eventually the two holidays will merge again—but not until the year
79811.
Implications ~ Consider
two: (1) In many Jewish homes the mashed potatoes of Thanksgiving will be
replaced with potato pancakes (latkes) of Hanukkah. (2) As we Christians celebrate our gratitude with
Thanksgiving, what a wonderful time it provides for rededicating ourselves to
our Lord and Savior in the spirit of the Feast of Dedication.
Conclusion
~ If you believe, as I do, that
our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ—The Messiah, will return long before the year
79811, this year will be the only time we will be able to say “Happy Thanksgivukkah!”
~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW
