It's interesting to note that the Greek word for thanksgiving (eucharistia) is not found in the Greek Old Testament (LXX).  It's strictly a New Testament word.  The idea of thanks is certainly in the Old Testament. Many times you find the word bless, or praise connected to the idea of thanks. But the Greek word eucharistia is only found in the New Testament.  It's actually a combination of two Greek words - eu = good and charis = grace.  Thanksgiving in it's most literal definition is good grace. Maybe that's why we only find it in the New Testament.  Good grace is grounded in the finished work of Jesus Christ. Jesus used a form of this word three times in the Gospels.
1) He used it at the miracle feeding of the 5,000 men (Matt. 14:19; Mark 8:6; John 6:11).  The verse says, "He gave thanks and broke the loaves."  Jesus didn't have much in his hands but the miracle was that it was in His hands.  What a lesson for us.  Even if we don't have much, we should still give thanks for what we have.  Don't grumble for more, be thankful!  And make sure it's in Jesus' hands.
2) He used this word at the raising of Lazarus from the dead (John 11:41). So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said "Father, I thank you that you have heard me."  Jesus thanked God for hearing his prayer. I'm going to start practicing that more. I'm going to thank God in advance for actually listening to me.
3) He used this word at the Last Supper (Matt. 26:27; Mark 14:23; Luke 22:19). Jesus gave thanks for the bread (His body) and the wine (His blood). This is the essence of all thanksgiving. The Eucharist. Giving thanks to God for the indescribable gift of Jesus and the miracle of salvation.
The word eucharistia is used 15 other times in the New Testament. It makes for a great Thanksgiving Bible Study. Click here to look at all the references.  Here are a few that I found inspiring.

• 2 Corinthians 4:15 - All of this is for your benefit, so that the grace (charis) that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving (eucharistia) to overflow to the glory of God.
• Ephesians 5:4 - Nor should there be any obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, rather thanksgiving...
• Colossians 2:6-7 - So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.
• 1 Timothy 4:4 - Everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving
• Rev. 7:12 - All the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures. They fell down on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, saying: "Amen! Praise and glory and wisdom and thanks and honor and power and strength be to our God for ever and ever. Amen!"

Thanksgiving should overflow out of our lives to the glory of God. It should be a regular part of our daily speech. We should be thankful receivers of God's gifts. Finally, thanksgiving will be a major part of  our eternity with the Lord. I finally figured it out - that supper with the Lamb will be Thanksgiving!
Thanksgiving is not just a holiday, it's a lifestyle. In Greek or in English - it is good to give thanks!
Pastor Tim