Thanksgiving is right around the corner and this special season starts now! It is designed to be a time for family and friends to gather together in a spirit of gratitude. This time is also to intended to give thanks for the blessings given to us by a loving and generous God. It’s a moment of reflection, thanksgiving, and togetherness, anchored in the teachings of God’s Word.
At the heart of this season lies the practice of gratitude—a concept deeply rooted in our faith. As Christ-Followers, we are called to “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Thanksgiving is an opportunity to do just that, to express our gratitude.
Thanksgiving gatherings are an opportunity for families to come together. In Hebrews 10:25 we are encouraged to “not neglect to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encourage one another”. Sharing a special meal, offering prayers of thanks, and sharing the company of loved ones is a treasured tradition that mirrors the sense of unity and fellowship taught in the Scriptures.
The centerpiece of Thanksgiving gatherings is food. Just as God provides for our physical needs through food, He also satisfies our spiritual hunger. The act of breaking bread together can also serve as a reminder of the sacrifice of Jesus and the spiritual sustenance He provides.
The Thanksgiving season also offers a perfect opportunity to engage in acts of service and generosity. We are called to “bear one another’s burdens” (Galatians 6:2), and the act of volunteering, donating to charities, or helping those in need reflects this principle beautifully.
While Thanksgiving is celebrated on a specific day, gratitude should be a continuous practice. The Bible encourages us to “continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name” (Hebrews 13:15). Allow gratitude and a heart filled with thanksgiving be our daily response to God’s goodness.
May this Thanksgiving season be a joyous and blessed occasion for you and your family. A season centered on faith, unity, and a heart full of praise to our Creator.
You can write the Pastor at pastorbilly@findtruelife.com.