The holidays are upon us. The fourth Thursday of November serves as the starting point for seasonal celebrations galore here in the US. For the last few weeks, Christmas trees, and Christmas décor of all kinds, have begun to appear in houses across our communities. A few eager beavers have gotten a very early jump on external illumination as well. All of this is much to the consternation and disapproval of holiday purists. They contend that each holiday needs to wait it’s turn. As one concerned Thanksgiving enthusiast commented, “Can’t we enjoy our turkey before we light up the trees?!”
I must confess, turkey does nothing to inspire gratitude in my heart. I don’t enjoy how it smells as it’s cooking and, to my tongue, it usually tastes like cardboard. Praise the good Lord for gravy in which to drown the poor bird! For me, the warm glow of Christmas lights serves as a source that stirs up gratitude in my soul during the Thanksgiving season. But, we must remember, Thanksgiving is no more about the Turkey than Christmas is about the tree. In both cases, they are symbols meant to remind us of something more important. They are meant to be sources of reflection and inspiration, in their due season, of transcendent truths about the grace and goodness of God.
Thanksgiving deserves so much more than one day, one weekend, or one month.
The holiday purists do make some valid points. Unfortunately, the coming seasonal celebrations are often sources of anxiety and stress. Rather than serving as reminders of the abundant provision and compassionate care God has provided, they have become mad dashes for more that stretch us beyond our means and cause us, at times, to question God’s blessing in our lives in comparison to that of those around us. We desperately need to make time to reflect on all the good things in our lives and to respond in gratitude. But, Thanksgiving deserves so much more than one day, one weekend, or one month.
The authors of the Bible encouraged attitudes of gratitude for the gracious power, presence, and provision of God early and often. 1 Chronicles 16:34 reads, “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever.” In Psalm 107:8-9, the psalmist provides the perfect theme passage for the Thanksgiving holiday, “Let them give thanks to the Lord for His unfailing love and His wonderful deeds for mankind, for He satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.” I think the Apostle Paul best communicates the spirit this season should inspire in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18. He writes, “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” We might simplify it like this: ALWAYS rejoice; ALWAYS pray; ALWAYS give thanks!
Thanksgiving is more than seasonal celebration; Thanksgiving is a lifestyle.
Thanksgiving is more than seasonal celebration; Thanksgiving is a lifestyle. According to the Word of God, it is God’s will for us to live thankful lives. And, just as the Bible clearly lays out the reason for the season at Christmas, the Bible provides us with the real reason for the season of Thanksgiving. God has provided us access to His presence, power, and provision through His son Jesus Christ.
As we make our way through one season of celebration into another, may we not miss the true spirit of the season. Let us make time to reflect on the many good things in our lives, to thank God for His gracious provision, and to rejoice in light of the abundant blessings and gifts of God. Whether you celebrate with turkeys and trees, or however you choose to celebrate, remember that these moments are reminders of the life you should live everyday: A life of gratitude and thanksgiving.
