Thanksgiving is rooted in faith. It began with the Pilgrims expressing their gratitude to God for the provision of harvest. For some, it has become more about eating and less about giving thanks to God. This year let’s return to the roots of the original Thanksgiving and give God praise for the wonderful provision He has given us this year. Let’s also remember to be a blessing to others during this time. Here are some ways we can honor God this Thanksgiving.
Invite His Presence to Your Table
Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him and bless His name. (Ps 100:4)
Thanksgiving is a time to remember what God has done for us and to be thankful. Have each person at your dinner table share something they are thankful for, something God has done for them this year. As you do, you usher in the presence of God.
Show the Love of God by Serving Others
Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me. (Mt 25:40)
By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another. (Jn 13:35)
Perhaps you know someone in your neighborhood who will be alone on Thanksgiving. Invite them to join your family or prepare a dish or dessert for them. Showing the love of God during this holiday is a way to remember what it is really all about.
Teach Your Children the Importance of Thanksgiving
Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it. (Prv 22:6)
For many children, Thanksgiving is simply a day to gather with family, eat and watch football. Make sure your children know the origin of this special day. Teach them to be thankful by having them share some things they are thankful for.
Purpose to Be More Thankful in the Coming Year
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (1 Thess 5:16-18)
Gods will for us is to be thankful year-round. Create a thanksgiving journal or a thanksgiving jar where you jot down the things you are thankful for.
This Thanksgiving let’s make sure to put God first. Don’t allow busyness to push him aside. After all, without him, we would have nothing to be thankful for.
