We have just celebrated Thanksgiving Day, remembering all that God has done for us, but is it gone again until next year? Did giving thanks end that day? No, it didn’t start there, and it will not end there. For those of us who are Christ followers, every day is a day of thanksgiving. “Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations” (Psalm 100:4-5 NIV1984). That doesn’t sound like it was to be a one-day occurrence.
For many, Thanksgiving is just a day to overeat, watch a ball game, or get into intense arguments with family and friends. Some choose to drink and make it a day of revelry with no thought given to the purpose of the day. Others consider it just another day, nothing special. It is a sad commentary for those who find no reason to be thankful.
“Count Your Many Blessings” is a song to encourage us to “name them one by one.” They are more than we can count, but it is important that we acknowledge the source of our blessings. Our children, their spouses, grandchildren and great-grandchildren gathered at our house for Thanksgiving. It was indeed a time of thanksgiving for us. There was no arguing or complaining, just a time to enjoy each other. One of our blessings is that they are all serving God in their own churches. That gratefulness to God continues throughout the year.
As we approach a new season, the blessings don’t stop. While we may enjoy the sights and sounds of the holiday, the true meaning of Christmas goes beyond that. “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). This is the Reason for the Season.
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests” (Luke 2:14). There doesn’t seem to be much peace in the world today — wars, murders, suicides, child abuse, drugs, hatred, uncontrollable anger and lovers of self. For many people, the Christmas season brings no happiness; they are lonely, depressed and feel there is nothing for which to be thankful.
True peace comes from knowing Jesus. It gives us consolation when there is so much sadness and evil around us. It allows us to enjoy the various aspects of Christmas — church musicals, Christmas Eve services, the lights, programs, parades, holiday get-togethers with family and friends, gift giving and, yes, even Christmas music played in stores everywhere. The key to keeping everything in perspective is to keep Christ as the focus. Don’t allow the world to dictate how you celebrate this special season — keep it simple. Be thankful for everything. Look back over the year and remember all your blessings “to see what God has done.”
Because we know the peace of God, we should be kind and helpful to others and show them the love of Jesus. As Jesus is the Light of the World, we are to reflect that light. We are admonished: “Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven” (Matt. 5:16). Being thankful is behind the way we meet the needs of others.
Every day is a day to give thanks. “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (I Thess. 5:16-18).
