Thanksgiving & Christmas

With December now here some would say that the Season of Thanks is officially over, but I believe Christmas offers a perfect time to continue the tradition of saying and giving thanks and maybe even more so with December being the celebration of the Christ Child Jesus Birthday.
A continuance of saying thanks is most appropriate during December because the Baby Jesus was a gift of the Heavenly Father to each of us individually, so there’s a reason to continue the thanks. Another reason to continue thanking in December would be because of acts of obedience that Mary and Joseph demonstrated in following through with God’s plan. What an example they remain today because of their actions.
There is so much about the Season of Christmas that is also about Thanksgiving. Consider the fact that those that arrived to this new land gave thanks and the driving part of the search for new lands was freedom in worship, seeking after their hearts yearning, and a discovery of not just new lands, but new peace too.
Living here in the Bible Belt is a blessing. I’ve lived in big cities and observed the passing by of so many and the moving about of daily living that never stops and recognizes the creator. I’ve been to New York City’s Central Park and watched the animals, looked at the trees, swelled the roses and observed the people still, who so seem to have no understanding of that quote by Emerson who said, “nature is the art of God”.
My list of thanks will continue to flow but my goal and desire is to some how create the awareness in others that this is even a more special time for us to be able to advance the kingdom of God because of the worlds emphasis on His season.
The Bible tells us to “give thanks always”, and the Bible also tells us to “rejoice, and again I say rejoice”. During this time of the year many will not find their spirits in that overflowing rejoicing or giving thanks mode because of the experiences of life that may have brought a death during this time, a loss of employment that stripped the parents and children of needs and dreams, or maybe this time of the year is just too rushed and the movement of people causes an alarm or hesitation to be around others or go places.
Nevertheless, Christians are instructed to give thanks and rejoice so how will we find His way in this mess we’ve made it into?
Might I suggest looking back until you reach that memory spot where it was clear what God was asking you to do? Think back to the last peace you had that filled you in such a way you didn’t even recognize all the distractions happening all around.
The Bible talks about that peace that passes all understanding and I cannot but believe His peace is discovered when his will is discovered and giving the gift of ourselves to others helps in that search. Seeing the reasons for giving thanks and we doing so as an honor to Him I believe creates that very real presence of Himself that also establishes His plan in our lives.
There is much to do and little time to do it, so lets go ahead and add Thanksgiving and Christmas together for the cause of Christ. Saying thanks and giving gifts in thanksgiving toward others will show we’ve got the meaning of the seasons.

Until then