Thanksgiving is upon us, a time of year focused on gathering with loved ones, setting a beautiful table, roasting a turkey, and trying new recipes for various side dishes and desserts. As Christians, it’s important to remember this time of year isn’t just for being filled with pumpkin pie, but it’s also for being filled with thanks to God for all the blessings He’s given us.
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Sometimes, though, this time of year is so busy we forget to keep the focus of the season on Christ. We have you covered with ways you can keep Christ at the center of your celebration this year.
What Thanksgiving Means to Christians
Thanksgiving is the holiday where people often reflect and are thankful for all the blessings they have in their lives; as Christians, we understand that that praise and glory belongs to God for providing those blessings.
One of the main types of prayer is thanksgiving. This is the form of prayer where we praise God and give Him thanks for all He’s given us. Everything we have in this life is a gift from God. It’s important to let Him know just how thankful we are and how blessed we are to be His chosen people.
Read Also: 15 Powerful Bible Verses about Thankfulness and Gratitude
God is constantly there for us and at work in our lives. He provides for us, protects us, strengthens us, guides us and loves us endlessly. The Thanksgiving season offers us a special opportunity to reflect on these blessings and tell Him how thankful we are for His love, grace, and mercy.
This Thanksgiving, when we gather around the table, let us remember to not only thank our loved ones for blessing our lives, but also give thanks to our Lord for all He’s done for us. After all, giving thanks to God is a beautiful offering, showing how much we love Him.
Practical Ways to Keep Christ at the Center of Thanksgiving
Looking for ways you can keep Christ at the center of your Thanksgiving celebration this year? Here are a few ideas:
Start a Thankfulness Jar
Start a Thanksgiving gratitude jar in a central spot in your home at the beginning of November. Each day, write down something you’re thankful for—whether it’s a special moment, someone you appreciate, or a cherished memory. Keep a notepad and pen nearby to make adding to your Thanksgiving gratitude jar easy and meaningful every day!
Donate Items to Charity
Thanksgiving is the perfect time to do a final deep clean of your home and donate items you no longer need, like Olivia Golden does in the Great American Original movie, "Divine Influencer." In this movie, when entitled influencer, Olivia Golden, is humbled by losing everything, she begins working at a homeless shelter for a place to live. With God's help, she discovers her true purpose comes from serving others.
This Thanksgiving tradition is a great reminder to let go of earthly possessions, focus on what truly matters, and help others in need. Decluttering and donating during Thanksgiving not only refreshes your home but also blesses those less fortunate.
Invite Someone Who May Be Alone To Your Thanksgiving Celebration
If you know someone who can’t travel to be with family this Thanksgiving or is new in town without local connections, consider inviting them to your Thanksgiving celebration. Welcoming others into your home during the Thanksgiving holiday is a beautiful way to show Christ’s love and provide a place for fellowship to those who may be alone.
Volunteer at a Local Homeless Shelter or Soup Kitchen
It’s unfortunate that there is a large population that cannot be with family to celebrate this beautiful holiday. This year, share the love of Christ and spread His joy by providing a warm Thanksgiving meal to those less fortunate, like TV chef Mandy does at her late aunt's food bank in the Great American Original movie, "A Christmas Blessing."
Let your kindness and compassion be a light, offering comfort and connection to those in need this Thanksgiving.
Use Scripture in Your Decorations or Place Settings
During Thanksgiving, it’s easy to get caught up in creating perfect table settings and festive decor. If your home is decorated with pumpkins and fall accents, consider adding a piece with a Scripture verse. Displaying God’s Word as part of your Thanksgiving table or home decor serves as a powerful reminder of Who deserves our praise and gratitude this Thanksgiving season.
Have Each Guest Contribute Something to the Meal
Planning and preparing the Thanksgiving meal can be a lot of work, making it hard to fully enjoy the day and focus on giving thanks to God. To make Thanksgiving more meaningful, ask each guest to contribute to the meal by bringing a dish—whether it’s a side, dessert, or drinks. This shared effort lightens the load for the host and brings everyone together in the Thanksgiving celebration.
Start Your Holiday Gathering With Prayer
There’s no better way to keep Christ in your Thanksgiving celebration than by prayer. We have an entire list of prayers if you’d like some pointers. Here’s our favorite:
“Father, today we give thanks for all the blessings You have given us. We’re safe from harm, we have food to eat, and despite the challenges in our lives, we know that we are blessed. One of the things we’re most grateful for is Christ’s finished work on the cross.”
Take Turns Reading Psalm 100
Break out your Bible and have a “popcorn”-style reading of Psalm 100. This Scripture on thankfulness highlights the importance of giving praise to God. Expert hint: do this in between dinner and dessert to give your meal time to settle and make sure your guests hear it before they leave (because who leaves before dessert?).
We hope and pray this Thanksgiving holiday is filled with joy, blessings, and making of wonderful memories with your loved ones. For more inspiration, sign up for the Pure Flix Insider email newsletter. For ideas of inspiring programs to watch with your family this Thanksgiving, check out our list of movies that inspire serving and giving.
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