FBCHS Bible Study -What Does Thanksgiving Mean?

What Does Thanksgiving Mean?

1 Corinthians 10:10-13, Philippians 4:11 , Ephesians 5:18-21

Merriam-Webster defines thanksgiving as "the act of giving thanks; or a prayer expressing gratitude." Is this also the Christian meaning of "thanksgiving"? What exactly should Christians give thanks for and why? 

In the Old Testament, thanksgiving was fundamental in the life of God’s people. The temple liturgy offered offerings of thanksgiving and praise and sang psalms regularly of thanksgiving to God.

In the New Testament, thanksgiving is the heart of the Church’s life. The word eucharist means thanksgiving, and the very center of the Church’s worship of God is when, in remembrance of all His salvific acts in Christ, the faithful “lift up their hearts” and “give thanks unto the Lord.”