What Happened to Thanksgiving?
And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
(Colossians 3:14-16 ESV) (emphasis added)
What ever happened to Thanksgiving Day? Who stole it?
As you may have heard or seen, most retailers will open today to get people spend their “Black Friday” money already today, on Thanksgiving Day. I feel sad, because that means that many people in this country will have to work today; being away from their families. And I know at least of one supplier from work who has their office staff is working today.
You see, the country a I come from, holidays and Sundays are still days of rest for most. There are no retail stores open, except in train stations or airports. Do we really have to shop all the time? Honestly, I don’t understand the whole mindset. But then again, maybe Thanksgiving or giving thanks is thing of the past.
Paul writes in his letter to the church in Colosse:
“…teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.”
For me, being thankful is not just one day of the year. I am thankful in my heart to God every single day. He has given me riches that are out of this world; a passage to His throne of Grace through the death and resurrection of His son, Jesus Christ. And that to me is the perfect reason to be thankful.
No matter what you plan today, spending time with family and friends or go shopping to get a good deal. Remember in your heart what God has done for you and me, and be thankful.
Lord of mercy and grace. Thank You for Your gift of redemption. Thank you You for allowing me to be a member of Your Holy family through the blood of Christ. May I always remember this gift with a thankful heart. In the precious name of Jesus. Amen.
Photo & Content Copyright © Iris Nelson
