What Are You Thankful For?

Thanksgiving Day until the New Year will have Americans concentrating on family, goodwill, and thanksgiving. It is this time of the year when most folk including Christians contemplate their numerous blessings. Although Christians should focus on these things year round, we too are overwhelmed with gratitude by this seasonal atmosphere of kindness and love. Our neighbors encourage us as we see so many with exhibiting Christ-like behavior. They are trying to mimic the goodness of Jesus (Acts 10:38), and for this we are grateful. Christmas is not a religious holiday or Jesus Christ’s birthday. There is no bible authority for Christmas or for Christians to annually observe December 25^th as Jesus’ birthday. (Col. 2:8,16; 3:17) The shepherds who were out in the fields when Jesus was born would not have spent the winter nights outside in the cold. (Luke 2:7-8) This thought alone points to another warmer month for Jesus’ birth. Since the bible does not tell us when, it is not for us to know. (Deut. 29:29) However, Christians are commanded to weekly remember/observe the Lord’s suffering, death, burial, and resurrection every first day of the week/Sunday. (Mat. 26:26-29;

Acts 20:7; 1 Cor. 11:23-34; 15:1-4) Nevertheless, it is still comforting seeing so many recognizing and proclaiming Jesus Christ as the Savior of the world at this time of the year. We should be thankful for times like these as they present new opportunities to share the gospel of Christ. (Rom. 1:16; 1 Pet. 3:15) We have a lot to be thankful for. (Eph. 5:20) As our children make their lists of Christmas desires and we our lists of what we can afford, there ought to first be a list of thanksgiving. What are you thankful for? Can you name 10 things you thank God for? Write them down and then thank God again (Heb. 13:15).

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