“THANKSGIVING IS PRECIOUS” Devotion by Pastor Fred Snider

The commercialization of everything in our consumeristic and materialistic society is totally out of control. Christmas stuff is up in September and the headlong rush into the “season” straight out of summer is only slowed down by the turning of Halloween into a National Holiday. What? Since when did Halloween become such a big deal? What happened to a simple neighborhood trick or treat tradition? “All Saint Day” or “Day of the Dead” has become an adult event with kids tagging along for candy. It is all about money and buying stuff and yet another excuse for an over-stimulated culture to “PARTY”.

This is why Thanksgiving is under attack these days. There is a strong movement to end it and replace it with a day to celebrate “Immigrants and Refuges”. What? Certainly we should be concerned about the plight of these being victimized by other’s agendas, but let’s address the need, don’t celebrate it! I know it is hard to turn thankfulness into a moneymaker, but if I am already under scrutiny for saying, “Merry Christmas”, instead of “Happy Holidays“, where will the madness stop?

On Thanksgiving we share food and are grateful for GOD’S provision. It isn’t about football and should not be a warm up to Black Friday. I say we fight for our traditions and hang on to the principles they reinforce.

How about we invite someone new to America over for Thanksgiving?! How about we refuse to turn Black Friday into Black Thursday and Friday!? How about we just be grateful for our blessings and promote family!? Let’s remember those who have nothing to eat around the world and pray for them, and support a worthy feeding program. (Please research all non-profits before you give, regrettably some are as irresponsible and greedy as can be.) I recently had an epiphany that spoke volumes to my heart. “Our misguided expectations are lowered and our gratitude increased the more we know true humility.” You can quote me.

Sorry if I rained on your memories of Halloween, or your early Christmas shopping, but somebody has to say something, don’t ya think? God help us to at least try to get a grip on this slippery slope we are on before we completely slide into a very sobering wake up call.
II Chronicles 7:14 says: “if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

Humbly, Pastor Fred
P.S. We need to be humbled before we get humbled.

Tweet