We have now officially entered the holiday season in the U.S. With Thanksgiving a few days ago, all eyes, and stores, are geared up for Christmas and gift giving with the conclusion of New Year's Day to conclude everything. Unfortunately, the meaning of these days is being overlooked and ignored by an increasing number of people.
Early last week, I watched a video (I would link to it, but can't find it again) showing several people proclaiming they would not celebrate Thanksgiving. They gave reasoning that the day only recognized the murder of Native Americans by the Pilgrims and those entering the New World. Unfortunately, they miss the real reason of the day and season.
In 1 Thessalonians 5:18 we are told "in everything give thanks." When we truly understand how small we are compared to God's creation, we are nothing but a speck. On top of that, all of us have broken God's commands and deserve nothing but eternal punishment in hell. However, we are still showered with blessings in various forms. Even every heart beat and breath we receive is a gift from God with the next one not guaranteed.
The early settlers understood this very well. Of the original 132 that came across the Atlantic, only half survived the voyage and first winter. If it had not been for the Native Americans, it's likely few, if any, of them would have survived. The first Thanksgiving was celebrated with both the Pilgrims and Native Americans for the gifts God had provided.
Another gift, and the ultimate one, is God's Son and the forgiveness of sins that is open to all who repent and trust in Him alone. The birth of Jesus is what we celebrate in a few weeks and can give thanks every day, and hour, for what He has given.
Living the quad life isn't always easy, but I give thanks for another year I've been given and the blessings I continue to experience daily. May we always keep this in mind and in everything give thanks.
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