Well, it’s that time of year again, isn’t it; the time when we gather around the table and give thanks. After all, that is why we call it Thanksgiving Day, right? It is the day we set aside to give thanks for all we have. Sometimes we will list our blessings. Other times we will go around the table and ask each person to say something for which they are thankful. And you will hear things like: “I am thankful for family; I am thankful for all this wonderful food; I’m thankful for my health, my car, my passing grade and so many other things. And these are great things to be thankful for.
But there is something missing in all that. Did you notice? I think we may be celebrating the wrong holiday. It is supposed to be Thanksgiving, not Thanks “Getting”. Now don’t get me wrong. We are truly blessed. We have much to be thankful “FOR”. Our family, our health, plenty to eat, even property and possessions… all things that we are thankful that we have. And before we dig into the Turkey and all the fixin’s we can share the wonderful things that bring us to this table.
However, maybe we are asking the wrong question. It is Thanksgiving. So we need to remember and praise the God who has given us so much. So instead of asking the question “What are you thankful for?”, we need to ask, “Who are you thankful TO?”
You might get some strange looks from the table, but maybe this is the year to be a bit more intentional about what this holiday is all about. Try standing up at the table, and after getting every one’s attention say, “We all know that we are blessed in many ways. We all have things to be thankful FOR. But today is Thanksgiving. So I would like us all to GIVE thanks. Tell me one thing about the God who has blessed you?”
Instead of hearing words about what everyone is “GETTING”, maybe you will hear words like “Savior”, “Redeemer”, “Lord”, “Sustainer”, and “Friend”. The room may echo with adjectives like “Loving”, “Caring”, “Mighty”, “Awesome”, and “Powerful”.
Then after everyone has a chance, have someone read Psalm 100.
“Make a joyful shout to the Lord, all you lands! Serve the Lord with gladness;
Come before His presence with singing. Know that the Lord, He is God;
It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.
Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise.
Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. For the Lord is good;
His mercy is everlasting, And His truth endures to all generations.”
Happy Day of Giving Thanks,
Pastor John
Park Avenue Christian Church 