“Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.” Psalm 118:1
Dear Redeemer Family:
We are about to enter the “Holiday Season.” As I write this, Halloween is just over a week away. It has now become the number 2 most expensive holiday in the United States. Why, I don’t know. But some people really enjoy the macabre and cosplay. After Halloween, we will enter into “Christmas Madness.” Christmas is the number 1 most expensive holiday in the United States. That is more understandable. There is a strong desire of generosity among us, especially for family and friends. So, there is a strong desire to give gifts, entertain, and generally enjoy each other’s company, especially during the bleak dark winter time.
But in between these two massive holidays, there is a quieter, milder, but also very fulfilling celebration. It is, of course, Thanksgiving. Over the last several decades, it seems too often to be consumed by its larger neighbors. And yet, it is very meaningful all by itself. It hasn’t suffered the commercialization of the other two. But, then again there isn’t much you can do to commercialize a turkey dinner with family and friends. Although, televised football games have tried to make an inroad.
No, Thanksgiving kind of stands alone. I think the reason, or at least one of them, is because at its root, Thanksgiving is not really for nor about us. It is essentially, and always has been, a day set aside to give thanks to God for the many blessings which we have received. It is a holiday of gratitude and gratefulness. As Psalm 118 begins, “Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.” That is something which we really need never forget. The setting aside of one day to remember that is one thing. But really, it is something which we need to remember every day; the many gifts of God’s grace. Yes, it is a holiday, a day of celebration. But it is one grounded in gratitude for graces bestowed which we do not really control. I believe it is one of the most important holidays.
Therefore, I wish you all a very joyous holiday season, hopefully without too much self-inflicted anxiety. But I wish you a holiday season, literally, centered in Thanksgiving. God’s blessings to you all!
Pastor Rose
