Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday for many reasons. The main one is it is the only holiday that isn’t bombarded with commercialism. Thanksgiving is the one day set aside where we pause and reflect on the blessings we have been given. And they are many. Nothing brings a smile to my face more than working in the kitchen together preparing food that will be enjoyed by everyone!

It is fitting that Christmas follows Thanksgiving. We thank God for what He has done in our lives, and then He reminds us of the greatest gift of all–His Son, Jesus Christ.

When we allow Thanksgiving to inform our Christmas, it doesn’t matter how many gifts are under the tree. It doesn’t matter what we lack, because what we have is much more than we could ask or think.

What matters is

• the breath we have to embrace another year

• the ability we have to show our love to those who mean the most to us.

• that we have life and it is abundant!

Take time today to reflect on what you’ve been given. It will put the Merry into Christmas as nothing else can. Gratefulness is like that–the more grateful we are, the more we see the things for which we should be grateful.

May we not take anything for granted this Christmas. We have no idea what 2019 holds for us, but we know the One who does. And He has proven over and over again that He can be trusted. Even if we don’t understand what He does. God is good and this season reminds us to remember Him with thanksgiving.

May you have a Merry Thanksgiving Christmas!