Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.
—1 Chronicles 16:34
I enjoy this festive season. Thanksgiving is a reminder of how blessed we are, a remembrance that God is the Great Giver. And Christmas inspires us to be givers also. The season nudges us to express our gratitude and declare our love.
Perhaps we eat too much and spend too much. But I think God probably enjoys the season also. I can’t see him as Sky Scrooge, bah-humbugging our thankful, loving, generous impulses. I have a feeling that he smiles as he eavesdrops on our gift purchases—at our joy in loving back those who love us.
Let’s make sure that our feelings of gratefulness at Thanksgiving include voiced gratitude for spiritual blessings, not just physical ones, and equally sure that our giving at Christmas includes gifts to causes that make an eternal difference.
Unexpressed gratitude is ingratitude.