And We’re Off (11/17/2023)

The countdown begins today, you know the one, you’re officially a week out from Thanksgiving and then you’ve barely time to finish the turkey before Advent begins. There are groceries to buy, decorations to hang, gifts to wrap, cookies to bake, cards to address, and the new Hallmark Christmas movies to watch every weekend. We can find ourselves so busy with the “counting” and “checking off” that we forget to celebrate the seasons as they are meant to be celebrated, with thanksgiving and awe and extra time with the source of all goodness, our all-present and all-loving LORD.

This week as we make our list for Thanksgiving, let us commit to making a second list, not of things to buy or tasks to complete, but of blessings received. And on that wonderful day of gratitude and gathering with family and friends, let us begin with a heartfelt prayer of praise and thanksgiving to our LORD.

And then when Advent begins, let us undertake all those traditions that remind us of our destination. It isn’t the tree with gifts galore but rather the manger with our Savior, the Father Almighty’s gift to us, undeserving as we are, out of love. As we’re making our lists, baking up a storm, and enjoying the cards from far away, let us bear in mind the One who is behind it all, our loving Savior, Jesus Christ. What gift could we offer that would make Him the happiest? Let us spend as much time considering the gift for the One whose birth we celebrate as we do to everyone else on our list. Let us pray about it, work on it, offer it on Christmas eve along with all sincerest and deepest love.

The road ahead of us is full of seasonal celebrations and opportunities. Let us undertake this journey intentionally, let us punctuate it with prayer and time with our LORD. If we will use the “journey time” to love Christ, to live Christ, and to long for Christ, may the LORD bless us abundantly.

Until tomorrow, let us all love well.