Happy Thanksgiving
It’s no accident that the words “happy” and “thanksgiving” are linked together. It’s a time filled with joy and gladness. This national holiday dates back to Pilgrim days when stalwart souls said, “Our colony is stronger, our cornfields are larger, the woods are full of game, and the streams full of fish; our children have been dutiful and our wives very obedient.” (I’m not sure how all the wives felt, but apparently the men were filled with gratitude).
It is certain that thanksgiving predates our national holiday. Hear the ancient psalmist as he declares, “Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the lands! Serve the LORD with gladness! Come into His presence with singing! Know the LORD is God! It is He that made us, and we are His; we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture. Enter His gates with thanksgiving, and His courts with praise! Give thanks to Him, bless His name! For the LORD is good; His steadfast love endures for ever, and His faithfulness to all generations” (Psalm 100).
Let us thank God for the gift of life. He made us, and that is wonderful, but that is not the whole story. Beyond the gift of life, let us thank Him that through His grace, we are “His people.” See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are.” (1 Jn. 3:1) To have such a Father is beyond belief.
Give thanks, “for the Lord is good.” Goodness sums up God’s character and speaks of His holiness, love, graciousness, kindness, and bountiful giving. We know His steadfast love endures for ever. This is far more than stern justice, and should elicit our grateful thanks and praise. We are also reminded that God’s faithfulness endures to all generations. For this we bow our knees before One who has never broken His word or changed His purpose.
In view of these blessings, HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
John Gipson
Windsong church of Christ
Little Rock, AR
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today, yes and forever.”
–Heb. 13:8