Turkey & Testimony
The holidays are complicated. While a time of joy and hope, a season of reflecting upon all blessings of God, including the reason for the season, Jesus – life also remains real and unplugged. And in that light, we’re reminded problems don’t simply disappear when decorations and lights appear. This is life, real and unplugged.
In fact, the holidays can be a time of great struggle for many people. For example, the first holiday season or any holiday season without a loved one whose passed can be quite painful. Health issues, relational struggles, financial challenges may even be exacerbated during the holiday season. Additionally, crises, like our present geo-political mayhem, don’t take a holiday simply when the calendar flips to November – they continue to spring up an “inopportune moments.”
How can we, as Christians, avoid being “rah rah optimists” or “ba-humbug pessimists” during this season with so many opportunities to be salt and light? How about being realists, as in real grateful!
You see, an attitude of gratitude will transcend times and seasons of life. And in reflecting a spirit of thankfulness apart from our circumstances, we will be a light to others!
Pleasantries abound during the holidays. “Merry Christmas!” and “Happy New Year!” will fill the air. And we will have opportunity to respond to those who ask, not only during this season, but in all seasons – “How are you doing?”
I have a quip that is true regardless of how I feel or in whatever circumstances I may be walking at any particular moment – a quip that comforts and sometimes confuses the audience. Yet, a quip that confirms the very goodness and grace of God. For fellow believers receive comfort in being reminded of God’s grace, while unbelievers gently receive a witness of the reason for the season and all seasons!
“How am I doing?” – “BETTER THAN I DESERVE!”
Ah – Grace! God’s unmerited favor bestowed upon me in Messiah Jesus is a beautiful blessing:
John 1:16-17 – And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace. For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 1:6 – Let us praise God for his glorious grace, for the free gift he gave us in his dear Son!
Ephesians 2:8 – For by grace you have been saved through faith…
Titus 2:11 – For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men…
And I can’t praise or thank Him enough for His rich, abundant, and eternal blessing of grace:
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 – Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
1 Chronicles 16:34 – Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.
Psalm 138:1 – I will give You thanks with all my heart…
2 Corinthians 4:15 – …grace, having spread through the many, may cause thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God.
That gratitude can also be a testimony to others:
Psalm 9:1 – I will give thanks to you, LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.
Colossians 3:17 – And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
As we thank God for the myriad blessings we have in Christ Jesus, may an attitude of gratitude flavor everything we do and be a testimony to everyone we meet, not just in this season, but in every season. And as we live thankful lives, may Jesus be glorified, the gospel amplified and people blessed.
“The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.” – Revelation 22:21