Giving Thanks

The season of Advent is here!  And before we even blink, it is almost half over.  Don't let this season pass you by!  Our Lay Member, Carol McMahon is providing this week's devotion about Advent!

Blessings,
Reverend Dave
_________________________

Rejoice always.  Pray continually.  Give thanks in every situation because this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.  (1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18)

We have just come off of the season of Thanksgiving and are now smack into Advent.  A season of giving thanks and celebrating to a season of waiting with anticipation and preparation.  But can’t we continue to give thanks?  Even as we prepare for celebrating the birth of Christ?

I was taught to give thanks for any gifts that I was given.  We taught our children to do the same thing.  We are all God’s children and he teaches us to give thanks.  Paul reminds us in 1 Thessalonians to give thanks in all situations.  Good times and bad.  Easy days and tough days. Wellness and poor health.  Sunny days and stormy days.  In all situations.  Rejoice always and pray continually.

Wake up, praise God, and give thanks.  Walk, praise God, and give thanks.  Drive to work, praise God, and give thanks.  Prepare for bed, praise God, and give thanks.  Get good news, praise God, and give thanks.  Get bad news, praise God, and give thanks.  Keep it simple.  It doesn’t have to be overly wordy or complicated.  As Nike used to tell us, “Just do it!”

As Advent unfolds over the next few weeks, look for things to be thankful for and look for ways to rejoice, praise God, and give thanks.

Merry Christmas!

https://youtu.be/2inhx3kytGQ

- Carol McMahon