“Be careful that you don’t forget the Lord your God by failing to keep his commands,
ordinances, and statutes that I am giving you today. When you eat and are full,
and build beautiful houses to live in, and your herds and flocks grow large,
and your silver and gold multiply, and everything else you have increases,
be careful that your heart doesn’t become proud and you forget the Lord your God
who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the place of slavery.
Deuteronomy 8:11-14
The Reason We Need Thanksgiving
It’s almost Christmas, Mommy!
Well, it’s almost Thanksgiving.
No! Christmas! Christmas is next! It’s almost Christmas!
My three-year-old started preschool this fall, along with a Tuesday-night dance class, and Wednesday-night church. As we’ve settled into a fall routine, and she’s also begun learning the days of the week, she’s become more and more determined to get a handle on our family’s calendar. Nearly every night involves her asking, “Where am I going tomorrow?” “How many days is that?” or “Today is Tuesday, so is tomorrow Friday?”
When you combine all that with our society’s obsession with Christmas countdowns, it’s no surprise that my little preschooler is adamant that Christmas is right around the corner. After all, we’re talking about Jesus and Santa, she’s seeing colorful lights on houses, and some people even have Christmas trees up.
Surely it’s almost Christmas!?
Christmas is coming, certainly, but first, Thanksgiving.
Sometimes it seems like we use the word, “holidays,” as a synonym for Christmas — skipping right over our national day of thanks (or giving it the smallest nod as opening day for the Christmas season). But that’s not the way our calendar is designed — or how God has commanded us to live.
Just like He knew the Israelites would be quick to take credit for their abundance and forget how God had rescued them from slavery and themselves, God knew we would do the same. He knows how tempting it is to dive headfirst into the holidays with our focus on Jesus and all the ways we celebrate His birth. He knows how hard it is to resist the countdowns and the checklists, how proud we are of ourselves when we finish our shopping, get the tree up early, master the new recipe, remember the concerts and parties and donations and services.
He knew what we’d do to Christmas, and He knew that we’d need Thanksgiving.
Be careful that you don’t forget the Lord your God…
I’m grateful for our calendar’s reminder to pause, to remember, to give thanks. I love our tradition of gathering, sharing a meal — and how God has blessed us, taking time to acknowledge that everything we have is from Him. And I don’t want to forget this.
So, every time my little girl gets her days and weeks and holidays mixed up, I remind myself along with her: Yes, Christmas is coming, but first, Thanksgiving.
What are you thankful for today?
Leave a Comment
Michele Morin says
“Be careful . . .”
I love the cautionary words this verse offers, and then the list of blessings. Thanks for persevering in teaching your tiny girl to give thanks, and for sharing that lesson here. We do forget.
Mary Carver says
I definitely forget! Grateful God gives us so many warnings in scripture. Happy Thanksgiving, Michele!
Martha McNeal says
Thank you so much for this gentle reminder from God’s word. May there be a turning of our hearts and minds back to the living God whom we serve during this Thanksgiving season, through Advent and Christmas and well into the New Year 2018. To God be the Glory for all that He has done.
Mary Carver says
Happy Thanksgiving to you, Martha!
Sharon A says
I am thankful for (in)courage and the reads you send every day and for the way that or my daily Bible readings so often are exactly what I need to hear. I love Thanksgiving and the four day weekend! And for a precious sweet godly boss.
Penny says
Sharon,
I am thankful to in(courage) too.
Blessings,
Penny
Annetta says
We are thankful that my husband, our children’s Dad, and our grand children’s Papa will be with us at our Thanksgiving table. He will be carving the turkey having experienced 10 intense months of cardiac health events and three ablation procedures
Today is his 72 birthday. He/we have trusted our Father Who is good at being God and is GOOD ALL the time. We have been able to share our faith with many ER and ICU staff who have prayed with us and cried with us. Our mashed potatoes may get cold as we praise God for the miraculous ways He has intervened.
To God be the glory! Psalm 115:1
Beth Williams says
Annetta,
Praise God your children & grand children will get to see Papa/dad. Tell him Happy Birthday! I pray God gives him better health & many more years to enjoy. Thank you for sharing your testimony with others. Maybe one of them heard & decided to ask Christ into their hearts!!
Blessings to you as you celebrate a joyous holiday!! 🙂
Penny says
Annetta,
After all what you’ve been through, what a blessing for you all. Prayers that your husband stays well.
Penny
Rebecca L Jones says
It’s funny isn’t it thanksgiving, Christ, thanksgiving. Maybe , Thanksgiving should be in January too. ( and everyday )
Mary Carver says
Yes, I agree! Happy Thanksgiving to you!
MaryMargaret says
I am thankful for God’s unending love and grace.
Mary Carver says
Yes, absolutely. Me too! Happy Thanksgiving!
Beth Williams says
Mary,
I feel like you do. I want each holiday to have it’s own celebration-don’t rush it!! My pet peeve is in the middle of September you start seeing Halloween candy & costumes. Almost as soon as that day is over you start hearing about Black Friday & buy this that. We tend to skip over Veterans day. Thanksgiving is practically forgotten. Most don’t even know the real reason we celebrate Thanksgiving. The pilgrims were thankful for the bountiful harvest & the fact they remained alive during their trip over here. I am Thankful for all holidays. I just want them to come slowly one at a time. Don’t push Christmas on me before Thanksgiving.
P.S. I just put our little tree up today. This Thanksgiving & the holiday season is different for me. My dad died this past March & I don’t have any parents left. Seems strange not to have to visit them or deal with any issues. Also I have worked part/time for 1 year at my current job. May that’s why I’m super excited about this season!!
Blessings 🙂
Penny says
Beth,
I’m sorry, I understand how difficult it can be. I pray that all will be well, and that you will blessed with joyful new memories
Blessings,
Penny
Mary Carver says
Beth, I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of your dad. I pray this season of gratitude is a blessing to you!
Penny says
Thank-you Mary, I enjoyed this along with your little daughter’s rush of things. Although we had Thanksgiving in Oct. (in Canada), every day there is much to give thanks to the Lord for.
Blessings to all,
Penny
Mary Carver says
Happy belated Thanksgiving to you, Penny!
Gem says
For my amazing daughter. For my family and all the love and joy we share.God bless you all.
Tracie says
I’m thankful for the God of do-overs and crazy grace.
I’m thankful for the way the sunlight illuminates the Autumn leaves that are still holding on until it’s their turn to let go.
I’m thankful for my messy house and messy life and for the messy people who occupy both.
Mary Carver says
Amen! Me, too, Tracie! 🙂 Happy Thanksgiving!