Frankly, Thanksgiving Day has taken a hit in our modern, American culture. From its birth, established a national holiday by President Lincoln in 1863, it has been a day when people ceased from their labors, gathered together with loved ones, and thanked the Lord for all He has done. Lately however, it has been overshadowed by encroaching Christmas commercialism. Harvest-themed decorations are scarce, while Halloween decor proliferates. Then, as early as September, we begin to see Christmas decorations.
Last evening, on his radio show, my friend, Erick Erickson, asked callers to phone in as to what they are thankful for, since Thanksgiving Day is tomorrow, (as I write this in real time). There was a variety of answers, as you might expect. I fleetingly thought about what I am most thankful for, and that is the privilege of knowing Jesus Christ. Then, en route to a destination, I did not give it any deeper thought. After that huge #1, there are many competing blessings for which I am thankful.
Christian thankfulness springs from a sure belief that God our Father is the Giver of all good things, through the person of His Son, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit who lives within us. Without that foundational truth, thankfulness is superficial. Perhaps this is why Thanksgiving Day has fallen so out of fashion. We, as a people, do not acknowledge that our dependence is on God, that our successes flow from His gracious hand, that the very food we eat and the clean air we breathe are His providence.
In the dead of night last night I lay awake for a couple of hours, trying to find sleep again. During that time, I reflected on how blessed I am and how thankful I am that so many of our family members still walk this earth with us. Thanksgiving week has always been one of my favorite times of year, but it became of greater significance 18 years ago when my daddy lost his long battle with cancer the Saturday before "the big day". In fact, today, 18 years ago, we laid his body in the ground. Last April, our family lost my husband's brother to an extended battle with cancer. Losing that dear, sweet, generous Christian man was a huge blow to our family. All of this caused me to be grateful that so many of our loved ones are still here. All other 50 or so of my husband's large, extended family are still with us. My husband and children are healthy and well. Both my siblings are thriving, as are their children. Of my 10 aunts and uncles, all in their late 70s or 80s, only one has gone on. Of my 11 cousins, only one has passed on. My mother has been blessed, similarly, with good health this past year. For these bountiful blessings, I am tremendously grateful.
Publix food stores has a poignant Thanksgiving commercial out at the moment. It shows many aspects of Thanksgiving Day celebrations - - - dropping the casserole, burning the food, setting off the smoke alarm, the power going out, squabbling family members, etc. In the end, though, everyone gathers around the table, joins hands and (presumably) gives thanks. In the middle of all that upheaval and catastrophe, peace and thankfulness come.
Paul, in his letter to the Colossians (3:15), says - - -
Let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body, and be ye thankful.
(KJV)
It is difficult to be thankful unless peace is present first. By an act of our will we must embrace Christ's peace, that peace only available from Him, and let it rule in our hearts, not only at the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons, but always. His peace, so transformative, brings thankfulness.
No matter the upheaval, the unpleasant surprises, the disagreements, the various human foibles or seemingly indiscriminate sorrows that may arise to steal your joy this Thanksgiving, look toward Jesus, embrace His truth and His peace.
And then, give thanks.
Heavenly Father, You are the Source of All Blessing. We thank You today for Your Son, our Savior. In His name, may we be truly thankful for the tremendous bounty we have received from Your hand. Amen.
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