Giving Thanks

Rejoice in the LORD, O you righteous!

For praise from the upright is beautiful.

praise the LORD with the harp;

make melody to Him with an instrument

of ten strings. Sing to Him a new song;

play skillfully with a shout of joy.

Psalm 33:1–3

            Each year this holiday presents itself as a day that we set aside to be thankful; this is so appropriate due to one special fact: we live in a country where freedom reigns. We may, and do have problems, but problems have solutions and we who live in this country have the right to solve problems and ensure our freedom. This freedom was born out of hard times, out of times when others would not allow us the freedom that our Constitution gives to the citizens of this country. Men who love God, even those who were of the Atheist persuasion saw the need for a country wherein people could live free. Men fought and died, women lost husbands and even children to defend our rights, and we, those who are the recipients of such dedication, this day, we celebrate what was given to us and to our posterity. Yes, I speak of the Revolution, but more than that, I speak of the time when before that day people celebrated freedom. This freedom gave to us the right to follow our faith(s) and to live in harmony with each other without fear of our government telling us what and whom we should believe. I am not promoting ecumenism, rather I am celebrating freedom. As a Christian, I celebrate not only this freedom won and given to us so that we live in a country where we can set aside a special day to be thankful. There is more: As a Christian and a follower of our God and Savior I am free, free indeed, my home is settled in heaven, a new world, a new body, an immutable life, and this freedom was won by Jesus Christ on the cross, and given to all those who believe in Him. As a Christian, we have liberty: “Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage” (Galatians 5:1). On this special day; Thanksgiving take the time to turn your attention to this wonderful freedom and liberty, and be thankful that God in His Providence has guided history. He has aided men and women to form a country in which we can celebrate and be thankful for all that He has done, especially that He sent His Son to die for our sins, and that He has given to us the Holy Spirit to indwell in us. We are thankful, and more, we are, as Christian reminded on this day that we are to turn from the fleshly and carnal things of this world. At this time we take special time to serve one another; especially those who through various circumstances cannot enjoy this day as many do: “For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another” (Galatians 5:13). On this special day, a day in which we can take special interest in others, especially those of the faith, our brothers, and sisters. Invite the ones who may be alone, or have little income and have a need, a need for the love and kindness that we as children of God are to give to our family, our family of God: “By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up is heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him? My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth. And by this we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before Him” (1John 3:16–19).

            Take time to be thankful, sing praises to God, and do this with others, celebrating not only the freedom we have in the United States, but more, the freedom we have in God. In all God has done for you and for me, by providing for our needs, and for allowing us to celebrate Him. Thanksgiving is more than eating turkey, although this is good, (I like it), it is a time that we have together, and to celebrate the love between family, friends, and our Savior who loved us to death: “In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him.  In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He love us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so love us, we also ought to love one another” (1John 4:9–11). Now this is something to be thankful for, and to celebrate, singing praises, and enjoying what God has done: it is more, and more, and more, all that we have, all that we will have in Him.

            As we prepare for this special day, is there anyone that you could invite that may be alone, or in poor financial state? Will you show the love, the love of God, to others, to those less fortunate? It is not too late to do so. Take the time. It will be so worthwhile, so thankful to those who you extend the love of God too: “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth. Beloved, you do faithfully whatever you do for the brethren and for strangers, who have borne witness of your love before the church. If you send them forward on their journey in a manner worthy of God, you will do well” (3John 4–6).

            Enjoy! HAPPY THANKSGIVING.

Behold, how good and pleasant it is

            For brethren to dwell together

In unity!

                        Psalm 133:1

Give thanks to God

Richard L. Crumb