Thanksgiving 2013

Around this time of the year people begin asking the question, “What are you doing for Thanksgiving?” The answer usually given has to do with eating: “Well, I’m cooking dinner for our family this year” or “We’re driving to ________ for the holiday and I’m bringing ________________ (various dishes from green bean casserole to candied yams).

             

When Christmas approaches the question changes to: “Are you done with your Christmas shopping yet?” That always puts me into a state of panic!

           

 It has occurred to me lately that for most people, including myself, the focus on Thanksgiving is food and the focus on Christmas is gifts—both giving and receiving. Very “me” centered! That isn’t too surprising since we spend most of our days focusing on ourselves.

             

Shouldn’t our focus on Thanksgiving be like that of the Pilgrims who set apart a day to praise God for His provision and protection in their new 'home'?

Shouldn’t the center of our attention at Christmas be riveted on the wonderful gift God has given us in His Son Jesus Christ? And how about daily living…shouldn’t Christ be at the center of our lives every day?

Please help us, oh Lord, to willfully choose to put you at the center of our lives, to focus on you and to be grateful people. Help us to die to ourselves so that we might live for You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

photo by Al Lowery Nov. 2013

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness for they will be filled.” Mat. 5:6 NIV