It is hard to believe that the holidays are here again, the first being the wonderful day of Thanksgiving. The schedule becomes crowded and the busyness is happily tolerated with the warm sentimentality of memories and traditions. As I prepare to host a houseful of family and friends for Thanksgiving, I am reminded by Noel Piper to stop and ponder some important questions from her book, "Treasuring God in our Traditions", she writes,
"What are the requirements for any sort of thanksgiving to happen? Something we're thankful for and somebody to thank."
This week and throughout this holiday season, I want 2 Corinthians 9:15 to be my constant meditation in hopes that it will flavor all I do and say and give: "Thanks be to God for His inexpressible gift!"
Noel goes on to ask an important follow up question with some great ideas as a response.
"And then how will we express our thanks to God? Perhaps there's a poster on the wall where anyone during the day can write or draw pictures of what her or she is thanking God for. Perhaps one of the children will make place cards with a verse of thanks on each, to be read sometime during the meal. Maybe this is a good day to pull out the year's journals or photo albums or videos to remind each other of all God has done in our lives this year. And maybe Dad will begin the meal by reading or singing some words from Scripture such as Psalm 95:1-3 "Oh come, let us sing unto the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise! For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods..."
These are all great ideas! What are some of your favorite verses from scripture or traditions that help you keep God, the Great Giver, and his glory in the center of your holiday traditions? Being as this time of year is full of hospitality, what are some of your favorite recipes or activities for larger groups? Please write us at sovgracepastorswives@gmail.com to share your favorites and we will choose several to pass along during this holiday season.
As you celebrate Thanksgiving Day, we pray you are freshly overwhelmed with God's love in the good news of the gospel! In closing, the administrators of this blog are thankful for you and all the ways you serve God by serving your husband, family, church and community! Happy Thanksgiving to all!
