This Thanksgiving is a good time to pray that we will see a revival of the faith in America and a renewal of our country’s commitment to its First Freedom. We ask for the freedom to worship, to be sure. But we will press for more. We will assert our rights as citizens of this Great Republic. We will insist upon the right to witness for Christ in the public square, knowing we must obey God rather than men.

This Thanksgiving, we are given another opportunity to examine our hearts and ask ourselves what we are truly thankful for. As American Christians, we can surely thank God for our abundant harvest. Despite difficult economic times that have dragged on for years, America’s farmers, by God’s grace and their own untiring labors, have continued to bring forth the bounty of the earth. For this we should be profoundly grateful. Yes, this year’s Thanksgiving feast will be a bit more expensive than last year’s. But at an estimated $50 to feed a table of ten, this dinner is truly a wonder.

Simply to gather around a holiday meal and not have to hide, not have to close the shutters, is a blessing. For millions of our fellow Christians, this is not possible. Around the world, in North Korea, China, and especially in the Bloody Crescent, too often the breaking of bread is accompanied by the breaking of heads. We at Family Research Council will pause in our celebrations to pray for our persecuted brothers and sisters in other lands. Our hearts are attuned to the cry of the martyrs.

Last year, we saluted the Romeike family of Tennessee. These Christian home schoolers came to our shores to escape from the unjust laws in their native land– Germany. We welcome this dear family because we see in them the proper descendents of those first English Pilgrims who landed at Plymouth Rock in 1620. For millions of immigrants arriving here under our protection and under our laws, religious freedom is that beacon of light that draws them here. Ironically, it was German Chancellor Angela Merkel who just weeks ago captured the attention of the world by saying it was Christians who are the most persecuted on earth. We thank God for Chancellor Merkel’s courage. We note that this pastor’s daughter has been willing to speak out when many of her male colleagues have cowered and denied the obvious truth.

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