The holiday's spiritual foundations were firmly established in 1623 when Governor William Bradford of Plymouth Colony proclaimed a day of thanksgiving. His words resonate with the same spirit of gratitude that drives our mission today:

"Inasmuch as the great Father has given us this year an abundant harvest... and has protected us... has spared us from pestilence and disease, has granted us freedom to worship God according to the dictates of our own conscience... do gather at ye meeting house... to render thanksgiving to ye Almighty God for all His blessings."

Despite losing nearly half their community during their first brutal winter in the New World, the Pilgrims chose to gather and thank God for His provision. Their commitment to religious freedom laid the groundwork for the Christian institutions that our team at CFC strives to protect and strengthen today.

This tradition of national gratitude and obedience to God was further cemented by President George Washington in 1789. His Thanksgiving proclamation speaks to the very heart of California Family Council's work:

"It is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor... Now, therefore, I do recommend next, to be devoted by the people of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being, who is the beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be."

At CFC, we're grateful to carry forward this legacy as we work to combine civic responsibility with spiritual devotion in our advocacy for California's families. The Biblical foundations of Thanksgiving resonate powerfully through Colossians 3:15-17:

"And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him."

This Scriptural mandate shapes our work at CFC, transforming our daily advocacy into an expression of gratitude for God's faithfulness. As theologian John Stott powerfully reminds us:

"The true measure of our gratitude to God is not our words but our actions. What we are determines what we do, and thankfulness to God is the soil in which service to others grows."

We're deeply thankful for the opportunity to advance God's design for Life, Family, and Liberty throughout California. Our team gives thanks for the faithful supporters and partner organizations that stand alongside us in defending religious freedoms and promoting Biblical values in our communities. Through our collective efforts, we ensure that the Christian principles our nation was founded upon continue to guide and protect future generations.

The enduring power of Thanksgiving lies in its reminder of shared gratitude while acknowledging life's challenges. Like the Pilgrims who found reasons for thankfulness despite tremendous loss, California Family Council remains committed to protecting that legacy of faith and liberty during challenging times. This year, we are especially grateful for our supporters—faithful partners who help us stand firm in defending religious freedom and family values. Together, we carry forward the spirit of gratitude and faith that has defined this holiday since its very beginning.

Drawing inspiration from Psalm 95, we "come into His presence with thanksgiving" and make a "joyful noise" in celebration of God's goodness. This Thanksgiving renews our commitment to gratitude, unity, and service as we continue our vital work of protecting religious freedoms and advancing God's design for Life, Family, and Liberty throughout California. Subscribe for free to Breaking Christian News here

To receive daily emails from Breaking Christian News to your inbox CLICK HERE

New Discoveries in Last Supper Room: Inscriptions Hidden in Walls of Biblical Site on Mount Zion

Gov Newsom Joins Trump in Seeking Federal Charges against Illegal in Fatal DUI Crash That Left Teen Couple Dead

Trump Tariff Support Surges among Small Business Owners

Trump Signs Order to Boost Deep-Sea Mining, Seeking to Break China's Critical Minerals Dominance

Tulsi Gabbard Gives the Deep State the Boot

Court Strikes Down Illinois Law Forcing Pro-Life Ministries to Promote Abortion, But Upholds Abortion Referral Mandate

Professor Who Boldly Spoke Out against Trans Mutilation of Children Wins Long Court Battle with University that Fired Him

Minnesota Heads Off 'Mass Casualty Attack' Planned for 'the Next 24 Hours'

'It Just Ignited': Pastor Says Revival Is Breaking Out in His California Church [Video]

Two Minutes of Silence for the Six Million Victims of the Holocaust

President Trump Notches Key Victory against Taxpayers' Dollars Funding Illegals across the Country

Stephen Miller to Hannity: Democrats Have Become the 'Party of Terrorists and Illegal Aliens' [Watch]

Undercover Sting Exposes Secret Network that Hides Kids for Trans Treatments, Strips 'Transphobic' Parents of Custody [WATCH]

Department of Education Spokeswoman: We 'Will Not Tolerate' States Using Gender Ideology to Strip Parental Rights

DOT Secretary Duffy Warns Blue States: Comply with Trump Orders or Lose Transportation Funding

President Trump 'Not Happy' with Russian Strikes on Kyiv: 'Vladimir STOP!'

UK to Send 'Sun-Dimming' Aerosol Injections into the Atmosphere for 'Climate Change'

HUD Secretary Scott Turner Tackling Homelessness With Heart, Hope, and Biblical Values

Pennsylvania Gov. Shapiro Says Trump Called Him About Arson Attack: 'I Appreciated That The President Called Me'

GLOBALISTS IN TURMOIL: World Economic Forum Opens Probe into Founder after Klaus Schwab Resigns