How Can I Not Be Thankful

There is so much to be thankful for in this season and it's easy to get so caught up in the presents, the gift giving the wrapping paper, the family coming, the traditions, the exclusivity of spending your holidays with only the people you want to spend them with. I'm all for all of that stuff. But there are a few things I am compelled to keep in mind this season which keep me humble and truly thankful.

First is that there are many men and women living on the streets who have no one to share Christmas with. We are blessed to be in our homes with our families with our food and warmth, but don't forget about those who are less fortunate than we are. Don't forget the poor and oppressed. What was one of Daniel's warning to Nebuchadnezzar before he fell into humility? "Show mercy to the poor." Let's not be so exclusive that we forget to show mercy to the poor- whether it be the financially poor, or the emotionally poor. Some people just don't have family nearby and can't make it home to be with them for Christmas. Let's include them in our celebrations.

Second is our military that are serving overseas who are spending Christmas in combat, away from their families. Thank you to each and every one of you who are serving and thank you to each of your families who miss them desperately this Christmas. We are praying for you and are thankful for the freedoms you provide.

Lastly how can I not be grateful for the greatest gift ever given; the reason we celebrate Christmas in the first place. No it's not the gift giving and getting, it's not the trees, it's not the food, or Santa. It's Jesus. Thank you God for sending your Son, Jesus Christ, who condescended to us- left His place in heaven to take on the form of a man so that He would be able to understand us and relate to us and we would have an example to follow. He was a man born to die and was the greatest gift this entire world has ever seen because He was given for this entire world- no one group of people more than another. He was given for us all and we can all received Him. Thank You Father for your Son, for allowing this world to see Him for 33 years- 33 years that forever changed the course of history. That forever changed my life. Thank You!