Thanksgiving is a week away. It occurs later in the month this year, on the 28th
We will be celebrating Advent starting The Following Sunday December 1st. already stores have been decked out in Christmas Merchandise The radio has started Christmas stations. And commercials are popping up for the December Holiday already
But lets stop for a moment and give Thanks.
For Thanksgiving.
I am reminded of the clip in Charlie Brown's Thanksgiving between Sally Linus and Charlie Brown, discussing how the holiday
I went down to buy a turkey tree...
...and all they have are things for Christmas.
For Christmas?
Already?
To which Sally Adds : I haven't even finished eating all my Halloween candy.
Thanksgiving IS an important Holiday one which sadly sometimes gets slighted, between Halloween and Christmas, which for materialists, generate more income to retailers. It is a holiday which gets squeezed by "Black Friday" and proof of this is in the number of commercials that will be on TVs across the nation encouraging the shopping and spending of money the day after Thanksgiving.
People rarely gather for a week and say "Did you have a nice Thanksgiving?, or even Asking "For what did you give thanks?" Instead it is "What's on your Christmas list this year?"
SO let us stop for a moment and celebrate the day for what is far more important, connecting with God and giving Thanks .....
Whether or not the stories of the "First Thanksgiving" between the Pilgrims and the Indians are true or not does not really matter. The story of the first holiday encapsulates themes of cooperation, resilience, and goodwill. This historical context invites reflection on the values of humility and respect, essential for fostering understanding in today’s diverse society. Thanksgiving encourages us to look beyond our personal pursuits and recognize the interconnectedness of our lives, promoting empathy and generosity toward others, especially those in need.
Thanksgiving becomes, more often than not, an opportunity for helping others, for the demonstration of Love and Charity, core Christian values, which are exemplified through our food drives, volunteering and other acts of kindness
But through it all, it serves as an opportunity for individuals and families to come together, share a meal, and express their appreciation for the blessings in their lives. This profound act of gathering not only strengthens familial bonds but also fosters a sense of community, bridging the gap between generations and cultures. In a fast-paced world, Thanksgiving reminds us to pause and acknowledge the simple joys: family, friendship, health, and abundance. It allows us to express gratitude, to exhibit love and charity, and to pause and reflect on what we have. It gives us a chance to be truly Thankful.
Christmas will be here soon enough, as the stores have told us. For now, we focus on being Thankful, to have a day of bonding with family and friends far and near to celebrate the Blessings which God has bestowed upon us through His Love and Grace.
We will be celebrating Advent starting The Following Sunday December 1st. already stores have been decked out in Christmas Merchandise The radio has started Christmas stations. And commercials are popping up for the December Holiday already
But lets stop for a moment and give Thanks.
For Thanksgiving.
I am reminded of the clip in Charlie Brown's Thanksgiving between Sally Linus and Charlie Brown, discussing how the holiday
I went down to buy a turkey tree...
...and all they have are things for Christmas.
For Christmas?
Already?
To which Sally Adds : I haven't even finished eating all my Halloween candy.
Thanksgiving IS an important Holiday one which sadly sometimes gets slighted, between Halloween and Christmas, which for materialists, generate more income to retailers. It is a holiday which gets squeezed by "Black Friday" and proof of this is in the number of commercials that will be on TVs across the nation encouraging the shopping and spending of money the day after Thanksgiving.
People rarely gather for a week and say "Did you have a nice Thanksgiving?, or even Asking "For what did you give thanks?" Instead it is "What's on your Christmas list this year?"
SO let us stop for a moment and celebrate the day for what is far more important, connecting with God and giving Thanks .....
Whether or not the stories of the "First Thanksgiving" between the Pilgrims and the Indians are true or not does not really matter. The story of the first holiday encapsulates themes of cooperation, resilience, and goodwill. This historical context invites reflection on the values of humility and respect, essential for fostering understanding in today’s diverse society. Thanksgiving encourages us to look beyond our personal pursuits and recognize the interconnectedness of our lives, promoting empathy and generosity toward others, especially those in need.
Thanksgiving becomes, more often than not, an opportunity for helping others, for the demonstration of Love and Charity, core Christian values, which are exemplified through our food drives, volunteering and other acts of kindness
But through it all, it serves as an opportunity for individuals and families to come together, share a meal, and express their appreciation for the blessings in their lives. This profound act of gathering not only strengthens familial bonds but also fosters a sense of community, bridging the gap between generations and cultures. In a fast-paced world, Thanksgiving reminds us to pause and acknowledge the simple joys: family, friendship, health, and abundance. It allows us to express gratitude, to exhibit love and charity, and to pause and reflect on what we have. It gives us a chance to be truly Thankful.
Christmas will be here soon enough, as the stores have told us. For now, we focus on being Thankful, to have a day of bonding with family and friends far and near to celebrate the Blessings which God has bestowed upon us through His Love and Grace.
