Homes are filled with the fragrance of roasting turkey and pumpkin pie and the hustle bustle of the holiday season is upon us. As I write this blog, I am thankful. This Thanksgiving our family is healthy and happy and we will be able to gather together to celebrate the holiday and give thanks for many blessings. But my heart cries out for those who aren’t on the “corner of happy and healthy.” There are friends, acquaintances and people in general who may feel like they don’t have a lot to be thankful for. There are those who are ill or caring for a family member who is ill. There are those who are grieving the loss of a loved one, those in failing relationships, and those who are missing sons and daughters who can’t make it home for the holiday. There are those who are all alone and those who for all manner of physical, spiritual, emotional or financial reasons are feeling less than thankful.
As I walked this morning, I began to think about the one thing we could all be thankful for in good times and in bad, and the words of the song, O Holy Night, began playing in my head.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
Till he appear’d and the soul felt its worth.
Whatever has us pining today, our soul can feel its worth in Christ. He came, and because of His sacrifice we are wiped clean of the stain of sin, and the gates of heaven are opened, holding the promise of eternal life. We can be glad and rejoice in God’s unfailing love, because He knows our troubles and He cares about the anguish of our soul. We are safe in His care. (Psalm 31:7-8)
So if you are not feeling particularly thankful for circumstances in your life right now, remember that, the Lord will not crush the weakest reed or put out a flickering candle. He will bring justice to all who have been wronged. (Isaiah 42:3)
No matter what difficult corner we are standing on today, we can all be thankful that we have Christ in our life, so,
Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good and His faithful love endures forever. Psalm 106:1
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices
For yonder breaks a new glorious morn
Fall on your knees – in thanksgiving!
Praying for each and every one of you and your families, that you have a blessed and hope-filled Thanksgiving.
