Forgotten Festival

Christmas is coming. Santa is everywhere. Black Friday sales are up on every site I visit. But what I am interested in most this year is Thanksgiving; or rather the lack thereof. I find the lack of attention Thanksgiving is getting gets greater each holiday season. Black Friday is everywhere, Christmas decorations are up, Eggnog is available. As much as I enjoy the Christmas season, I wonder; have we forgotten to give thanks? The world no longer acknowledges Thanksgiving because our post-Christian world has no One to give thanks to. They have abandoned God in our culture, so they have no reason to be thankful. We do. Let us give thanks and remember to be truly thankful for the gift we received that started the Holiday season (the Holidays being Christmas and Thanksgiving). The gift of Salvation, brought by Christ, who was born those many years ago.

As you walk around and view the blatant greed that replaces Thanksgiving, (both the holiday and the idea of giving thanks) remember that we are to be Christ to the people around us. The holidays are known for the lines and crowds that gather, and those in turn are known for the short tempers and 'look out for number one' attitude they create. Instead of stepping on peoples' toes this year in line, (both literally and figuratively) try to be Christ to them. Smile, be kind, be patient, show a sense of caring.

When we talk to our families, what do we talk about? Gifts? Expenses of the Holidays? Busyness? Have we been thankful? Do we go out of our way to hint at the gifts we are glad we have, or just the ones we want this year?

Conclusion

Short and sweet- here it is. Give thanks. Honor God in our Holidays and in every day. Show how He has blessed us by being giving, not greedy; by being thankful, not thoughtless. Let us be a light in the darkness, not just another bit of darkness that needs light. Giving thanks is a choice, one we must not give up so quickly.