Bob Girard

I Thessalonians 5:12-22 Luke 1:57-64

Later this week, we will begin a very busy six weeks of the year. We all put a lot of effort and energy into making this a very special time for ourselves, family and friends. We get so busy, we forget to stop and think about what this special time means to us.

Thanksgiving is a time to be with family and friends. We should take a few moments on Thursday to reflect on all of the people, events, and things in our lives that make our lives what they are. This year will be tough for many because of the economic situation, loss of jobs, the outlook of a slow recovery, the loss of those very special people in our lives. I want to ask the question&are we giving thanks?

We are special people. We are God's children. God has blessed us in many ways, will continue to bless us in the future no matter what the world situation is or becomes. We can always find something to be thankful for and give our thanks to God.

In Paul's first letter to the Thessalonians, he gave them instructions to help them live Christian lives. I believe these words have as much meaning for us today as they did when they were written so long ago.

Every age from the beginning to now has been a time of insecurity in some form or another. People have always faced dangers, illness, and uncertainty. Those of times past were only able to make it through by the grace and gifts of God. We are no different. We are given these same gifts by God today. If we only put faith in ourselves, our fears will overtake us. We will sit and spin our wheels, unable to make decisions to move forward. Paul included these words in the passage we heard this morning  “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” If we in prayer and action give thanks no matter what the situation, God will have His hand on us leading, pushing, and directing our every minute.

I have said many times before, God places people, opportunities, openings, all around us. It is up to us to recognize them and use them. When we allow God to be the head of our lives, we will always come out on top, always have things to be thankful for.

The Gospel lesson this morning may not seem as if it fits the Thanksgiving theme but I would suggest that it does. In a way, it was Thanksgiving Day when Elizabeth gave birth to a son. She and Zechariah were both up in age for many years not being able to have a son. They were delighted at his birth. Zechariah could not speak, but at the naming of John, he was able to speak. How much joy he felt. How happy he was to have a son and get his voice. His first words were a thanksgiving to God for these very special gifts. He was thankful that his prayers were answered.

We do not need to have such a dramatic event take place in our lives for us to realize all that God makes possible. God gave us Jesus, the example for us to follow, as we live each day. When we allow God through Jesus to be the center of our lives, we know that even in the darkest of days, we have hope. We know we are never alone.

Are we giving thanks? Will we take a few minutes on Thursday to think about those who have made a difference in our lives and give thanks to God for them? We should also give thanks for the talents and abilities God has given to each of us and for the opportunities to use them to His glory as we are a help to others. As we celebrate Thanksgiving Day, by ourselves, with family or friends, let us give thanks.