FROM YOUR PASTOR’S HEART November 21, 2022

At this time of the year, children are busy making their Christmas “Wish Lists.” Back in the Dark Ages of my youth, we couldn’t wait for the store catalogues to arrive, so that we could use the “Wish Book” for our “Wish Lists.” Today’s children only have to press the screens of their devices and every imaginable gift idea magically appears. With a few more taps on the screen, and a major hit to their bank account, the parents can make those items appear at their doorstep.

Yet, there is another holiday to celebrate, between Halloween and Christmas, that is often overlooked. While it may not involve costumes and candy or a tree and gifts, it is a very important season of acknowledging the blessings that we have already received. It is a special event that brings families together in a special way for a special reason.

Thanksgiving is a time for reflection and rejoicing. I often liken it to the inventory procedures done in retail stores, where they count their assets in order to see what they have accumulated. As followers of Christ, we need to heed the advice of that old hymn and “count your blessings, see what God has done.” In this hymn, Johnson Oatman, Jr. instructs us to “name them one by one.” He said that in doing so we will be surprised at what the Lord has done in our lives.

What makes this holiday so special is that it is a time for recognizing the work of God in our lives and among our families. We need to acknowledge our Heavenly Father as the source of every good and precious gift we have received. Then, we need to thank Him and praise Him for His goodness to us. In truth, every day should be Thanksgiving Day for those who know Christ Jesus. We ought to rejoice daily in His abundant gifts!

Serving in love, Bro. Jim