Reflections on Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is finally here. I had hoped to have Sophia home by now, but we are still waiting. I know many of you have plans of turkey and stuffing, laughter and naps, football and parades, and so on. I also hope you have plans to actually spend time in giving thanks to God for the gifts and blessings he has poured into your life.

The story of God's grace begins with the creation. When God spoke the world into existence and created a lush paradise that was to be ruled by his image bearers. God formed man out of dirt and woman from man's side. He created them to reflect his glory, but our original parents, Adam and Eve, rebelled against God when they ate the forbidden fruit. Their sin brought death into the world and separated humanity from its Creator. God was not willing to let death reign over mankind. The eternal Son of God, stepped out of heaven, taking on flesh in the person of Jesus the Christ, lived a sinless life, willingly dying on the cross, to make atonement for the sins of the world, was buried and rose again on the third day. Now ascended into heaven, Jesus is king over all and extends forgiveness to whosoever will believe. Jesus is the only way that sinful humanity can be reconciled to their holy Creator, therefore every person is called upon to repent and believe. When we turn from our sin to the Lord, trusting Jesus' work for our salvation and righteousness, we enter into eternal life. It is a life that Jesus describes as "abundant" (John 10:10).

For those of us who have embraced this good news there is an unending stream of gracious care and blessing that flows into our lives. I am not saying that there isn't difficulty in the Christian life. There will be tribulation, trouble, turmoil, grief, hardship, testing, and suffering, however, where these are present, the grace of God is there also. That grace strengthens us for the task, empowers us to endure, and points us to the day when God rewards us with the desire of our heart--Himself. Everything else will fade away on the day we meet our Creator-Redeemer. When we see Jesus face to face our troubles and trials will melt away like butter over a hot flame, and in the glorious joy that will accompany that moment all will be forgotten except for our Master.

I hope this Thanksgiving is your best to date. I hope you carve out pleasant memories that will endure throughout your lifetime. I hope your family is strengthened as you gather around the table this year. But, I also hope you will look at your feast and realize that a greater feast is still to come--when Christ returns for his bride. I pray as you bow your heads for grace today your heart will overflow in gratitude for your Lord and Savior, and not just for the gifts he has provided. I hope your turkey is moist and your yams are sweet, but I pray that you have truly tasted the goodness of your God, and yearn for more. I hope you have pleasant dreams when you nap today, but I pray that you are consciously resting in the Lord. Have a great Thanksgiving.