Thanksgiving the holiday has passed. Our sights are now set on Christmas. It is good that we still have defining moments in our culture. There still exists the concept of sacred, although it is slowly dying off in the name of commerce. We now celebrate holidays as "family time." You might think, "You're wrong, Randy. We have always celebrated the holidays as family time."
In one sense, that is true. The holidays were a time for families to gather together. A concept that has become increasingly necessary in light of the distances that often separate families. But even as social events, the holidays were imbued with sacred meaning.
Thanksgiving was about giving thanks to God for allowing our country to take root. It was about having gratitude for freedom and liberty. Now we celebrate sale days. Christmas used to be about celebrating the birth of the Christ-child. Now kids tear into presents without ever pausing to give God thanks for the greatest gift of all--the gift of his Son.
As Christians, we need to ensure that we are filling our holidays with sacred meaning. We need to labor to ensure our traditions connect our future to our past and our celebration to our hope.
Showing posts with label Thanksgiving. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Thanksgiving. Show all posts
Saturday, November 24, 2012
Thursday, November 22, 2012
Thursday Humor: Thanksgiving
I know I've shown this before. But it is one of my favorite Thanksgiving clips. I hope you enjoy.
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Wednesday, November 21, 2012
A Thanksgiving Wish
I want to take this time to wish all my readers a Happy Thanksgiving. I hope the Lord gives you a blessed holiday. It is also my hope that you have a long list of things to be thankful for. I have been truly blessed throughout my life and throughout this year. I thank God for your willingness to keep reading my blog. God bless and have a happy Thanksgiving.
Monday, November 19, 2012
Thanksgiving on the Mind
I'm thinking about turkey. And dressing. And pie. To be fair, I think about pie a lot. I'm thinking about family and friends. I'm thinking about fun and laughter. I think about laughter a lot, too.
I'm thinking about a young man, lost and confused. I'm thinking about darkness he passed through. I'm thinking about the Word that came alive one day, and brought living hope into his heart. I'm thinking about the light that has lit his path since that day.
I'm thinking about the Savior, who stepped out of heaven and into our world. I'm thinking about how he lived a righteous life. I'm think about how he laid down his life as an exchange for our lives--his righteousness in exchange for our guilt. I'm thinking about how he rose from the grave. I'm thinking about how he grants life to those who come to him.
I'm thinking about how my ancestors, all spread out throughout the world, had descendants who met in America. I'm thinking of how I'm the product of "The Melting Pot." I'm thinking that wouldn't have been possible without the hand of providence that brought the Pilgrims to Plymouth or the Native Americans to their aid. I'm thinking of all the events that had to happen to bring me to this point right now.
As I sit here thinking, my heart is moved to gratitude. I'm am thankful. I don't mean that I'm thankful in some generic sense--as if I'm saying: "To Whom it May Concern, Thank you!". No, I am thankful the God who made me, who redeemed me through the blood of Christ. I'm thankful to God, for all I am, for all I'm becoming.
I'm thinking about a young man, lost and confused. I'm thinking about darkness he passed through. I'm thinking about the Word that came alive one day, and brought living hope into his heart. I'm thinking about the light that has lit his path since that day.
I'm thinking about the Savior, who stepped out of heaven and into our world. I'm thinking about how he lived a righteous life. I'm think about how he laid down his life as an exchange for our lives--his righteousness in exchange for our guilt. I'm thinking about how he rose from the grave. I'm thinking about how he grants life to those who come to him.
I'm thinking about how my ancestors, all spread out throughout the world, had descendants who met in America. I'm thinking of how I'm the product of "The Melting Pot." I'm thinking that wouldn't have been possible without the hand of providence that brought the Pilgrims to Plymouth or the Native Americans to their aid. I'm thinking of all the events that had to happen to bring me to this point right now.
As I sit here thinking, my heart is moved to gratitude. I'm am thankful. I don't mean that I'm thankful in some generic sense--as if I'm saying: "To Whom it May Concern, Thank you!". No, I am thankful the God who made me, who redeemed me through the blood of Christ. I'm thankful to God, for all I am, for all I'm becoming.
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Thanksgiving Humor: "Can Turkeys Fly?"
How do you combine, Thanksgiving, Thursday Humor, and Education? Check out this clip for the answer. I hope you have a blessed holiday.
Thursday, November 25, 2010
A Day to Be Grateful
Thanksgiving Day should be a time of gratitude. We can give thanks for so many things. God blesses us in so many ways that we tend to forget most of them.
Somewhere in our country, there is someone complaining about "having" to fix Thanksgiving dinner. Yesterday, I saw a story on the news about a single-mother whose family couldn't afford a Thanksgiving dinner, and who didn't even have a table to sit around. A restaurant in her area not only provided a 5 course meal, they also had a table delivered to her house. I'm sure she is grateful for the generosity of others, but I bet she would have been grateful if she could have done it on her own. Take time to be grateful for the ability to prepare a meal (even though it is hard work that may go unappreciated).
There is probably someone at this very moment complaining about their company, while someone else is grieving over an empty place setting, because that person isn't coming back. It so easy to forget that time is short. We always assume that there will be a tomorrow in which we can get everything worked out. But who knows if we will live to see tomorrow? Take time to be thankful for the people in your life (even the annoying ones).
There is probably someone complaining about those noisy, rowdy kids who are running through the house, while someone else is weeping because they don't hear the pitter-patter of little feet. We tend to forget how much we wished we had kids before we got them. We dreamed of all they would be, thought of how cute they would look in this or that outfit, and how smart they would be. Having children brings your head out of the clouds as you realize that there is this little person who is completely independent of you, yet dependent on you, and for whom you are responsible. They need lots of attention, food, and someone to clean up after them. It's not all fashion shows and spelling bees, but it is so worth it. Take time to be thankful for the children in your life (even the noisy ones).
Gratitude is a wonderful feeling. We should all feel grateful. But it wasn't meant to be undirected. Gratitude is an emotion that is to be expressed toward someone. In particular, gratitude is meant to be directed toward God. To paraphrase James, all good gifts come from our heavenly Father. Thanksgiving Day is a day to reflect on the glorious grace of God, and to offer up prayers of thanks and praise in his name.
I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving, and that you take the time to thank God for all he has done for you. May God continue to bless you and keep you.
Somewhere in our country, there is someone complaining about "having" to fix Thanksgiving dinner. Yesterday, I saw a story on the news about a single-mother whose family couldn't afford a Thanksgiving dinner, and who didn't even have a table to sit around. A restaurant in her area not only provided a 5 course meal, they also had a table delivered to her house. I'm sure she is grateful for the generosity of others, but I bet she would have been grateful if she could have done it on her own. Take time to be grateful for the ability to prepare a meal (even though it is hard work that may go unappreciated).
There is probably someone at this very moment complaining about their company, while someone else is grieving over an empty place setting, because that person isn't coming back. It so easy to forget that time is short. We always assume that there will be a tomorrow in which we can get everything worked out. But who knows if we will live to see tomorrow? Take time to be thankful for the people in your life (even the annoying ones).
There is probably someone complaining about those noisy, rowdy kids who are running through the house, while someone else is weeping because they don't hear the pitter-patter of little feet. We tend to forget how much we wished we had kids before we got them. We dreamed of all they would be, thought of how cute they would look in this or that outfit, and how smart they would be. Having children brings your head out of the clouds as you realize that there is this little person who is completely independent of you, yet dependent on you, and for whom you are responsible. They need lots of attention, food, and someone to clean up after them. It's not all fashion shows and spelling bees, but it is so worth it. Take time to be thankful for the children in your life (even the noisy ones).
Gratitude is a wonderful feeling. We should all feel grateful. But it wasn't meant to be undirected. Gratitude is an emotion that is to be expressed toward someone. In particular, gratitude is meant to be directed toward God. To paraphrase James, all good gifts come from our heavenly Father. Thanksgiving Day is a day to reflect on the glorious grace of God, and to offer up prayers of thanks and praise in his name.
I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving, and that you take the time to thank God for all he has done for you. May God continue to bless you and keep you.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Happy Thanksgiving
There is something about holiday gatherings that stir slumbering memories. Even in the midst of laughter and festivities there is a hint of sadness. For some, the losses are so great or so fresh that sorrow becomes almost overwhelming. We rarely mention the absences that create such obvious discomfort. We play through the pain, so to speak. Yet, even in the pain there is joy. Joy of being gathered with family, joy of good food, and the joy of living. The Lord has blessed with so many wonderful gifts that we will be eternally grateful.
We remember those have passed on with fondness and affection. We celebrate their legacy (and sometimes mourn it). Yet we must move forward and thrive in the present. We honor who they were and who they helped us become, by rejoicing in life. We must remember that physical absence does not mean absence in heart. I say all of this to say that there are many people for which I am grateful. Many of them are no longer present. They shaped and molded me into the man I am today. God used their influence to draw me toward himself. My love for them has not waned. So today I say thank you to the Lord of life for his love and all his blessings.
We remember those have passed on with fondness and affection. We celebrate their legacy (and sometimes mourn it). Yet we must move forward and thrive in the present. We honor who they were and who they helped us become, by rejoicing in life. We must remember that physical absence does not mean absence in heart. I say all of this to say that there are many people for which I am grateful. Many of them are no longer present. They shaped and molded me into the man I am today. God used their influence to draw me toward himself. My love for them has not waned. So today I say thank you to the Lord of life for his love and all his blessings.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
God is Good
"Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever" (Ps. 136:1, ESV).
Here the psalmist reminds us that the Lord is worthy of continual praise. Gratitude should be the heart response of every believer. We should have a song of thanksgiving always issuing from our hearts, because the Lord is good and his steadfast love endures forever.
What does it mean to say that God is good? The concept of God's goodness can be fleshed out as we draw on what he has revealed of himself through the Scriptures. We know that God cannot tempted with evil, he cannot lie, and he cannot break his word. We know that by his very nature he defines righteousness; God can only do what is right. God is perfect in all way imaginable. He is holy and merciful, just and kind, all-powerful and gentle. God's goodness is captured in his willingness to rescue his people. He longs for their good and his glory.
Closely related to his goodness, actually inseparable from, is God's steadfast love. His love is loyal and true. It is unshakable. The love that God has revealed by sending Christ into the world to die for sinners, is non-retractable. God cannot revoke it, not because he is compelled by some outward force, but because he cannot violate who he is. God is love, and he demonstrates his love toward us through Christ's atoning death. As Paul reminds us nothing can remove his love from us (see Rom 8:31-39).
In light of these truths it is fitting that we thank the Lord. He is worthy of all praise, honor, and glory. His goodness is unquestionable, as is his love. His love endures forever, and upon this rock we must build our trust. His loving goodness are our refuge in the storm, and our joy in the day of blessing. So, "Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever."
Here the psalmist reminds us that the Lord is worthy of continual praise. Gratitude should be the heart response of every believer. We should have a song of thanksgiving always issuing from our hearts, because the Lord is good and his steadfast love endures forever.
What does it mean to say that God is good? The concept of God's goodness can be fleshed out as we draw on what he has revealed of himself through the Scriptures. We know that God cannot tempted with evil, he cannot lie, and he cannot break his word. We know that by his very nature he defines righteousness; God can only do what is right. God is perfect in all way imaginable. He is holy and merciful, just and kind, all-powerful and gentle. God's goodness is captured in his willingness to rescue his people. He longs for their good and his glory.
Closely related to his goodness, actually inseparable from, is God's steadfast love. His love is loyal and true. It is unshakable. The love that God has revealed by sending Christ into the world to die for sinners, is non-retractable. God cannot revoke it, not because he is compelled by some outward force, but because he cannot violate who he is. God is love, and he demonstrates his love toward us through Christ's atoning death. As Paul reminds us nothing can remove his love from us (see Rom 8:31-39).
In light of these truths it is fitting that we thank the Lord. He is worthy of all praise, honor, and glory. His goodness is unquestionable, as is his love. His love endures forever, and upon this rock we must build our trust. His loving goodness are our refuge in the storm, and our joy in the day of blessing. So, "Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever."
Thursday, November 27, 2008
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.
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.
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