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Thanksgiving and Christmas

ReFocus: Larry Thomas
Monday, November 28, 2005

With the passing of the last couple of years, I have come to realize the significance of the ordering of the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays.

Until this time, I have simply taken for granted that "someone" decided to celebrate Thanksgiving in November and Christmas in December. Most of us know that December 25th was probably not the actual date of Jesus' birth, and most have heard the stories of the Pilgrims' celebrations. So why does Thanksgiving precede Christmas on our calendar today?

I am convinced that Thanksgiving comes before Christmas for the same reason that surrender precedes renewal in the life of a person. For only through surrender and thanksgiving can we experience the peace and resulting joy that accompanies God's mercy and love through the "fresh" touch of His hand in our lives.

As we approach the Christmas celebration, Christine and I pray that all God's creation experience His love, peace, mercy and joy. Thank you for praying and standing alongside us throughout this past year. May this be the greatest Christmas celebration to date!

God bless you in your obedience to Jesus.