So Much For Which to Give Thanks

Yesterday was our American Thanksgiving Day. Typically, it’s a day off from normal labors; a day to get together with family and friends, eat more than we normally would in a given day and to be thankful. Our immediate family (three children, son-in-law and grandson) gathered in our home and enjoyed the day immensely. From eating a fabulous meal (prepared lovingly by Ann, who just had surgery less than four weeks ago) to playing games as a family (always a great time because ‘no one’s’ competitive when we get around the table). As the sun got lower in the sky, the kids helped Mom get out all the Christmas decorations and begin to make things festive as Advent approaches.

And speaking of Advent, this Sunday marks the beginning of the Advent Season. I think it’s great that these two major holiday seasons run together like they do. Oh, not for the economic reasons. And definitely not because of ‘Black Friday’ (that’s blog fodder for another day, but I’ll make it known right now, the way we Americans reveal the serious idols of our hearts is deplorable). No, I am thankful Thanksgiving runs right into Advent because if we’re not able to be thankful to the Father for sending His Son, then we’ve quenched the Spirit in our hearts.

So, for all Christians, let’s give thanks that God did not leave us in our sins. Express deep and immense gratitude that we can call God our Father, because He sent His Son to make adoption a reality. Offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving that the One who came as a babe, grew to be a man who lived a perfect life of obedience in our stead. Let your voice be loud with gratefulness as you worship Christ the newborn King. May your appreciation be made known to all you come in contact with this season that that Babe came to give His life as a ransom for many (Mark 10.45). May your feasting and festivities do all they can to direct your minds unto the Savior.

Joel R. Beeke and William Boekestein have co-authored a delightful book of 31 meditations entitled Why Christ Came: 31 Meditations on the Incarnation. Here’s an excerpt from the first meditation:

“TO DO THE WILL OF THE FATHER

For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.
— JOHN 6:38

Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God.
— HEBREWS 10:7; CF. PSALM 40:7–8

Jesus came to earth to do the will of the Father. Ultimately, the will of God is His righteous decree that determines all that comes to pass and causes all things to work together for His glory (Eph. 1:11; cf. Deut. 29:29). Everything that comes to pass is the will of God, and He accomplishes that in Christ (Col. 1:16–17). But when Christ speaks about coming to do God’s will, He is referring to the will that God has revealed “unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law” (Deut. 29:29). God’s revealed will is breathed out of His heart and establishes His expectations for His people.”

[Excerpt From: William Boekestein. “Why Christ Came: 31 Meditations On The Incarnation.” iBooks.]

So, give thanks that the will of God has been, is and will be done through Christ Jesus, who came as a babe and will return at His second Advent as THE King.