Thanksgiving

How many times a day, week, or month do we say the word thanks? For us Canadians, it likely tops our use of the word “sorry” (which we seem to be about everything). But like most social graces that help get us through the day, the commonality of its usage can sometimes diminish its sincerity.

But the fact is we do have much to be thankful for, and as we gather with family and friends, we would do well to remember and remind others to whom we should ultimately be thankful.

Many unsaved people in your life may have even forgotten the historical reason they celebrate at this time. On January 31, 1957, the Canadian Parliament proclaimed, “A Day of General Thanksgiving to Almighty God for the bountiful harvest with which Canada has been blessed . . . to be observed on the 2nd Monday in October.”

Unfortunately, many profess they do not even believe in God anymore.

Blaming God for Trials and Suffering

Many decry God because of trials and suffering they see around them or experience themselves. These past two years have indeed brought about many things to lament, which is just another reason why we should be willing to gather with family and friends to encourage and help them.

However, remember that many have not only forgotten Canadian history, but the history of the world contained in the book of Genesis which tells us the real reason why there are bad things in the world.

Death in Adam, Life in Christ

Romans 5:12 reminds us,

Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned. (Romans 5:12)

It is easy to point out the wrongdoings of others, but what honest person can say they have not contributed to the evil in the world by sins such as lying, stealing, blaspheming, committing adultery, coveting, slandering, dishonoring parents, or abusing others?

People need to recognize that mankind’s sin in Adam is the reason for our present state. However, we still experience much good even in a sin-cursed world. And for those who put their faith in Christ, the best is yet to come. Because no matter how bad life may sometimes be, all is not lost.

God knew the mess we would get ourselves into and even foretold to Adam and Eve in Genesis 3:15 that through the Seed of the woman he would send a Savior, Jesus Christ, God’s own Son, and that the deceiving serpent (Satan) would eventually be conquered.

And this was fulfilled around 4,000 years later: approximately 2,000 years ago, the Lord Jesus Christ, born of the virgin woman Mary, stepped into history as a humble servant to destroy sin and death once and for all so that “whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).

Pray for Gospel Opportunities

It may be difficult to speak about these things in large groups, but many will likely be willing to have more private discussions one-on-one. And although this truth of sin and grace can be offensive to some people, when coming from a loving person with the correct intent, by God’s grace, it can often pierce even the hardest of hearts. And what could be more loving than to tell someone of God’s grace and goodness?

Thanksgiving is often associated with harvest time, when people celebrate the bounty from the land that God graciously provides to all people, whether regenerate or unregenerate. But we have been given a mission (Matthew 28:19–20) and should be ready in season or out of season (2 Timothy 4:2).

So we should be willing to not just sit back and enjoy ourselves but, given the opportunity, be willing to put our hands to the plow (Luke 9:62) and share the good news of what Christ has done with others.

As the Word says,

The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest. (Luke 10:2)

Thanks Be to God, Our Creator and Redeemer

Christians should be the most thankful of all because God has provided us with an existence that will be with Jesus forever. And Scripture reminds us,

Christians should be the most thankful of all because God has provided us with an existence that will be with Jesus forever.

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. (James 1:17)

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (1 Thessalonians 5:18)