November usually stimulates images of turkey, dressing, pumpkin pie, cranberry sauce, and family gatherings. As Christians, it reminds us of the many blessings bestowed upon us by God.
Tommy KellyThe psalmist David stated, “I will praise you, O Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonders” (Psalm 9:1 NIV). This praise was spontaneously motivated from the king of Israel due to God’s abundant blessing within the Israelite nation. Yet, this Thanksgiving, many may feel reluctant to offer any praise because there are so many negative influences in the world.
Due to an uncertain stock market, a sluggish economy, and an ongoing war on terrorism, many Americans will be reluctant to engage in a Thanksgiving celebration. However, many early Christians found reason to celebrate even though suffering and persecution were present in their lives.
The apostle Peter reminded the early Christians of their true means of thanksgiving by saying, “But you are a chosen people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light” (1 Peter 2:9 NIV). As bleak as the present seems, a future without Christ would be hopeless.
The pilgrims who celebrated the first Thanksgiving could have focused upon the negative circumstances. These included being away from their native land and less than 50 of the 110 passengers on the voyage to the New World survived the first winter. But they engaged in a feast, thanking God for all his blessings, although they were in a new and sometimes frightening place. They also included their new pagan friends, the Indians, in this celebration. This was their open, unapologetic statement of faith to new neighbors.
While you may be residing in a new community or a lifelong resident of a particular town, many friends or neighbors have limited knowledge of God or Jesus Christ, as well as God’s other blessings. A Christian’s Thanksgiving celebration can be a witness to neighbors and friends of one’s belief and faith in God and his bountiful goodness. It can serve as an outreach to others who may not have a full, meaningful relationship with Jesus Christ.
Tommy Kelly is pastor of First Baptist Church, Varnville.