“I will praise God’s name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving.” Psalm 69:30

Back-to-back holidays (in America, Thanksgiving and Christmas) doesn’t leave much time for people to rest and take a break. It can be a mad rush to get ready for Thanksgiving with travel, shopping, seasonal events, and get togethers; and things don’t stop until the new year when everyone returns to their regular daily grind. But if we as Christians slow down we can use the Thanksgiving weekend as a time to begin the Advent season with a spirit of gratitude.

Consider using the Thanksgiving long weekend as a time to prepare for the upcoming weeks of Advent. Beyond giving thanks for your family, friends, and the material goods that you have; how have you seen God at work in the very troubled world that we live in? Give thanks.

If you haven’t already, consider making intentional time to be engaged in Advent reflections this season.

Advent has 3 components: past, present, and future. We can give thanks for all three stages.

Thank you, Lord, for your first arrival and being the much needed and anticipated light and hope in the midst of darkness.

Thank you, Jesus, for your spirit being with us in the present.

Thank you, Jesus, for your promise to return. We live and wait with prayerful anticipation as we live in your kingdom come.