December 13, 2012

I Thessalonians 5:16-18

 

            "Rejoice always,

give thanks in all circumstances,

 for this is the will of God in Jesus Christ for you."

 

Yes, I know that we are three weeks removed from the Thanksgiving holiday, but these words from Paul remind us that giving thanks to God is something we should do each and every day of our lives.  As our celebration of Christmas looms ever closer, and our schedules become even more hectic, we would be wise to pause every now and then and reflect upon the many ways that God has blessed our lives.  Our Advent journey will conclude with our celebration of the "Gift of all Gifts," but along the way, let us take a moment or two, as the old chorus reminds us, to "count our many blessings, and see what God has done." I have no doubt that such a pause will make our Advent journey even more joyous.

 

Prayer:

            All-Giving God, you have blessed our lives in so many ways that our thanksgiving pales in comparison.  Forgive us, O Lord, for those times when we have taken your blessings for granted or believed we were entitled to them.  By your grace, help us to rejoice in your blessings on a daily basis and to share those blessings in ways that touch others with the Good News of Jesus Christ.  Amen.