Churches

Good day dear hearts, I love you. Well, here we are one day away from the big day! I hope you will consider joining us for a complimentary traditional Thanksgiving Dinner on Thanksgiving Day from 12pm to 2pm. In a few days we will be wishing each other "Merry Christmas," which is fine with me because "it's the most wonderful time of the year". When do you start playing your Christmas music? I'll bet some of you have already started. I start playing my Christmas music on Thanksgiving Day and that's what you will hear when you come to the dinner.

As the Thanksgiving season approaches, we are reminded once again of the importance of gratitude. For many, it is a holiday filled with family gatherings, turkey dinners and cherished traditions. Yet beyond the festivities lies a deeper truth; thankfulness is not just a seasonal sentiment, but a way of life that can transform hearts, homes and communities. The apostle Paul wrote in 1 Thessalonians 5:18, "Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." Notice that Paul did not say give thanks when things are good or give thanks when things are going our way. He says in all circumstances. Gratitude is not dependent on our situation, but on our recognition of God's goodness and faithfulness.

Thankfulness looks different depending on the stage of life we are in. For younger adults, gratitude may mean recognizing opportunities, friendships, and the energy of youth. For those in the middle, it often involves appreciating family, work and the lessons learned through trials. For seniors, gratitude can be found in memories, enduring relationships and the hope of eternal life. No matter our age, gratitude is a discipline that strengthens us. It shifts our focus from what we lack to what we have, from frustration to faith, from anxiety to peace.

One of the most striking biblical examples of gratitude is found in Luke 17:11-19. It's short so take a minute and read it. Ten lepers cried out to Jesus for healing, and all were cleansed. Yet only one returned to give thanks. Jesus asked. "Were not all ten cleansed?" "Where are the other nine?" Gratitude is not automatic; it's a choice. The leper who returned not only received physical healing, but spiritual blessings as well. His thankfulness opened the door to a deeper relationship with Christ. This account challenges us today. Are we among the nine who take blessings for granted, or the one who pauses to give thanks. Gratitude is rarely shown but it is powerful.

For men and women alike, gratitude is more than words spoken at the dinner table. It is a posture of the heart that influences how we live each day. In our families, gratitude strengthens marriages and deepens bonds with children and grandchildren. In our work, gratitude can shift our perspective from drudgery to opportunity. It reminds us that our labor is meaningful and honor God. In our trials, gratitude in hardship demonstrates resilience. It acknowledges that even in pain, God is shaping our character and preparing us for greater purposes. In our communities, gratitude fosters unity. When we appreciate one another's contributions, we build stronger neighborhoods, churches and workplaces.

I once heard of a man who complained constantly about the weight of responsibility he carried. He felt burdened by his job, his family obligations and the demands of life. One day, a friend reminded him: "Responsibility is not a burden; it is a blessing. It means you're trusted, needed and capable." That simple shift in perspective transformed the man's outlook. Gratitude turned his burdens into honor. How often do we view our responsibilities as heavy loads rather than privileges? Gratitude changes the way we see the world. It turns obstacles into opportunities and duties into blessings.

For those in their later years, gratitude often takes the form of remembering God's faithfulness across decades. For younger generations, it may be the excitement of new opportunities. But for all of us, gratitude points to hope. As Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 5:8, "To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord." Gratitude reminds us that our ultimate hope is not in this world, but in the promise of eternal life with Christ. This Thanksgiving, let us remember that gratitude is more than a holiday tradition. Whether we are in our 30s, 60s, or 90s, gratitude strengthens our faith, enriches our relationships and brings peace to our hearts. As we gather around the tables filled with food and fellowship, may we also gather around the truth that God is good, all the time! And may our thankfulness not end with the season, but continue each day as a testimony to His enduring love. Happy Thanksgiving and by the way, Merry Christmas! God Bless.

Father, we ask your blessing on our little town. Send your Spirit and touch the broken-hearted, give peace to the sick, bless the poor. Please join us Thursday, November 27 (Thanksgiving Day) at 12:00pm for a complimentary traditional Thanksgiving Dinner. Do not spent the day alone. Pastor Vince Chiaramonte, 570-853-3988.