As I have grown older I have found that this time of year has an increasingly special meaning for me. How often do we neglect to take the time to think about all the things that God has provided for us and enabled us to provide for ourselves? It seems a shame that we have a tendency to confine our thoughts of thanksgiving to a particular month, or even season of the year. And even then, we seem to bury Thanksgiving in the crush between fun of Halloween and the preparations for Christmas. The Pilgrims took time out from the business of settlement and the adventure of creating a new world to acknowledge the hand of God in their endeavors. And so should we take advantage of this opportunity to set aside the demands of our everyday lives and revel in the goodness of the Lord.
In his letter to the Philippians, Paul strikes a particularly joyful tone in acknowledging the fruits of God’s work among them, and the concern they have shown for him in his time of imprisonment. Even with the threat of death hanging over his head, he exhorts them to continue to celebrate the power, presence, and purpose of the Lord in their lives, just as he does in his. In Philippians 4:5 Paul writes, “Rejoice in the Lord always, again I will say Rejoice.” Our prayers to God should include acknowledgement of our joy and thanksgiving, even as we continue to ask God for his blessings. For it is what he has already done for us that allows us to confidently petition him for those things we feel that we still need.
Over the years, the spirit of Thanksgiving has become more vital to me than the anticipation of the Christmas season. In fact the promise of Christmas is one of the things I am most thankful for. Because it reminds me that God has never abandoned me; has blessed me far beyond what I deserve in this life; and has much more in store for me if only I give it all over to him. So rather than skipping over this celebration of the gifts of God, I exhort you as Paul does, to take time to sit back, take a deep breath, and prayerfully rejoice in the goodness of the Lord. Thank God for your life, the people in your life, and the purpose and security he provides for your life. Take a moment to leave behind your worries and your cares, and simply bask in his presence. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7
Yours in Christ, Pastor Dave
