It’s the “most wonderful time of the year” again – whether you’re ready for it or not. To get you in the holiday spirit, I’m going to be posting the set of Advent devotions our writers’ group put together for our church family last year. If you read these devotions before, and are looking for something new, then I hope you had a chance to pick up a copy of our latest devotion this past Sunday. If you missed out on getting one yesterday, our writers’ group will be handing them out again on Nov. 30 before each worship service.

I’m planning on continuing our “Church Hurt” series in the new year. If you have a story you would like to share, or would like information on how you can be a part of our writers’ group, you can email me at northsidewomenblog@gmail.com. Happy Thanksgiving from our Northside Writers!

(Alaina Mankin)

Thankfulness

By: Brenda Harris

Begin the Advent season with thankfulness!

“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good: His faithful love endures forever!” (1 Chron. 16:34). Thankfulness should be ongoing and ever-present in the life of the believer. Thankful hearts acknowledge the sovereignty and faithfulness of God.

“Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” (2 Cor. 9:15) Give thanks for the manger, the cross, the resurrection, and the opportunity to have a personal, loving relationship with Him through Jesus Christ. Thank Him for those who introduced you to Christ and who continue to nurture and strengthen you in your walk with Him.

“It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praise to Your name, Most High” (Ps. 92:1). Offer thanks for your spouse, children, and grandchildren; your parents and extended family; teachers and friends who challenge and inspire you; your pastor, Bible study leaders, and church family. The list is endless! Ask God how you can encourage those who encourage you.

“The Lord is my strength and my shield…my heart celebrates, and I give thanks to Him…” (Ps. 28:7). Applaud the majesty of God. Recall the wonder of flowers, butterflies, waterfalls, birds, snowflakes, and the ocean.

Recognize and honor the Creator, the Giver of “every good and perfect gift” (James 1: 17). Thank Him for provision and protection, for health, safety, food, and shelter. Rejoice, knowing you are blessed beyond measure.

“The Lord is my shepherd; I have what I need” (Ps. 23:1). Thank God for the hard places and the blessings; for lessons learned in the valleys and on the mountaintops. Celebrate His constant presence and peace in the midst of the magnificent and the mundane. Delight in His all-sufficiency and His eternal love.

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (Phil. 4:4). Allow thanksgiving to bring perspective to life. Recall the benefits of His love. Rejoice because of what He has done in and through and around you.

“Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and strength be to our God forever and ever. Amen” (Rev. 7:12).