Most Thankful

Are you thinking about gratitude or blessings today? Maybe you're thinking about turkey and stuffing, or uncomfortable moments with your mother-in-law. But, it's Thanksgiving, the day we are all supposed to be happy and thankful; the day we all say, "We should be thankful everyday." And then go out and get into it with someone over a parking spot on Black Friday. (Or, maybe, we're struggling to make it past dessert without a conflict.)

It seems appropriate we begin the holiday season with a day of thanks-giving. After all, Christmas, the coming of Jesus to mankind is one of the most significant events for which we should be thankful. Without Christmas, there'd be no Easter; without Easter, there'd be little reason for Christmas. And Thanks-giving? Well, that is where Christmas and Easter converge.

2 Corinthians 5:19 tells us:

"...God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation."

We were out there! I mean, we had broken relationship with the very One who designed us, created us, and has a plan for us, as individuals and humanity in general! We wanted nothing to do with a faithful, loving God. Why? All kinds of reasons. Fear, self-centeredness, a rebellious nature, bitterness -- you name it. So, we separated. In Christ, by His coming to humanity (Christmas), God gave us a glimpse of who He is. In Christ, by His suffering in agony and dying on a cross for humanity(Easter), God gave us a clear picture of what He was willing to do to have us back.

Additionally, all that stuff we did while we rebelled against our Creator? All that stuff we still do, and will do in the moments of fear and self-centeredness and rebellion and bitterness and more, that grip us even now? He doesn't hold any of it against us. Any of it!

Lastly, we are free to tell everyone what has been done for us and for them. We are encouraged to tell everyone what has been done for us and for them. We are made responsible to tell everyone what has been done for us and for them. In a way that is special to how God made us. Back when we were living our lives for ourselves, rebelling and being self-centered, apart from God? We were carrying with us all along, the interests, experiences and abilities God gave us that we might serve Him once we were reconciled! Were you born with a beautiful voice? As you experience more fully all God has done for you, you may begin to realize your love of music was given to you that you might praise Him before hundreds in song. Have you always been curious about nature? As you walk more closely with Jesus, you might walk with your children through nature, explaining to them the intricacies of God's creation. Or maybe your difficult childhood has made you "perfect" for helping troubled kids. God created each of us to tell others in some way, what His love has done.

And if we, celebrate Christmas fully knowing and embracing what was accomplished at Easter, our eyes will be opened to the reconciliation, forgiveness and empowerment given to us. And it is with overflowing gratitude we will greet everyone on Thanksgiving Day, and every day.

Happy Thanksgiving!