Embrace a Spirit of Gratitude This Fall
Several countries around the world have an official Thanksgiving holiday, but not all do. Thanksgiving usually occurs in the fall.
For example, the United States celebrates Thanksgiving toward the end of November, and Canada celebrates Thanksgiving in October. The origins of Thanksgiving reflect a gratitude for the fall harvest.
A few countries celebrate Thanksgiving earlier in the year, aligned with their first harvest or to embrace spring.
Yet even in countries that don’t have a recognized Thanksgiving holiday, many people celebrate it anyway. This may reflect personal gratitude or embrace the traditions of those who do.
The purpose of Thanksgiving varies from a spiritual time of thanking God for his provisions to a personal time to celebrate with family.
Yet whether we thank God for his bounty, are grateful for our family, or both, the notion behind the Thanksgiving observance is heartfelt gratitude.
In the 30-day devotional, Thanksgiving with Jesus, we’ll look at what the Bible reveals about thankfulness and gratitude, directing our appreciation to our Creator and Savior.
In doing so, may we praise our Lord for the many blessings he gives us throughout the year. May we thank him for loving us and caring for us. May we approach him with grateful hearts.
Use these reflections in whatever way works best for you. One idea is to read it as a month-long devotional during the month of your Thanksgiving holiday.
Another option is to begin it thirty days before your celebration to sharpen your focus and heighten your expectation for what is to come.
Alternately, you can start reading on Thanksgiving Day and use it to foster a mindset of gratitude for the next thirty days.
Regardless of how we use this month-long collection of daily meditations, may we embrace God for providing for us, loving us, and caring for us.
Let the celebration of Thanksgiving begin.
[This post is taken from the introduction to Thanksgiving with Jesus.]
Thanksgiving isn’t just a day—it’s a way of life. Let the 30-day devotional Thanksgiving with Jesus lead you into it. Then you can go deeper than the holiday.
Perfect for the Thanksgiving season or anytime you want to grow in gratitude.
Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront a status quo faith and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.
Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.