Thanks for Giving
“For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:” Colossians 1:16
Dear God,
Thank you for Thanksgiving. I don’t know what the pilgrims had in mind when they settled on that historic day that man celebrates as sacred, but I know exactly why I celebrate this day.
I celebrate because YOU GAVE us so much to be grateful for. The world that we live in, the air that we breathe, the food that we eat, and the activity of our bodies…all of that came from you, though we eagerly take these gifts for granted. Or, worse, we take credit for the things you have done. What fools we are.
God, your word says in Psalm 100:3 that YOU made us. We are your people and the sheep of your pasture. John 15:5 says that “apart from you, we can do nothing.” How can the creation take credit for the unfathomable works you did, or try to best you in any work?
You, being a humble and gracious God, didn’t create the world for the purpose of bragging on yourself, though you have more than anyone the right to do so. Unlike man, whose hearts are corrupt, your reasons for creating us are not selfish.
Your love for us is so profound that you created an entire universe that shows it. The stars of the sky burn with the passion of your love. The moon glows with the peace that you give us. You put healing in the leaves and every plant that grows, so we will stay healthy enough to serve you. The ocean is an endless pool of your beautiful tears. Fish and ocean life find sustenance within it. The birds breathe the same air that you placed into our bodies. Even the inventions - vain and trivial as they are - are created by the inspiration of your brilliant mind.
You have given us so much, Father. Thanksgiving should be the day that man praises YOU, the greatest giver of all.
But…as usual, man’s heart is turned away from the truth and focused on tradition. Well… as your word says in Mark 7:13, tradition only serves to stifle your word, because, as we have seen, most traditions exclude you. Every holiday is filled with reminders of how man seeks to gratify himself and exclude you. Even the most elaborate shows of holiness by certain faiths only succeed in demonstrating the deep division between you and man.
As your word says in Matthew 15:8, “This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.” How can a people, to whom you have given so much, be so cold to you?
I praise you, God, for your giving. I don’t take for granted the gift of life that you have given me, and the life you promised me through your son, Jesus, who gave his life, so that I might live.
If Thanksgiving is a time for giving thanks, let me take this moment to thank you, Heavenly Father, for giving to me.
Your Servant,
