5 Ways to Have a Happy Thanksgiving

Is there really such a thing as a Happy Thanksgiving?

If you’ve been reading this blog for a while, you probably know that title’s a bit tongue-in-cheek. I tend to be a bit of a holiday cynic who recognizes that these “happy” occasions aren’t necessarily happy for all people. I don’t believe in “just put on a happy face” and the “sun’ll come out tomorrow.”

AND YET. I do believe that the gospel does lead us to a place of “happy,” “Thanks” and “giving.”

Here are 5 things the gospel tells me about “Happy Thanksgiving.”

1. “Happy” means to a Christian far more that we are blessed, and it only takes a cursory glance at Luke 6:20-26 or Matthew 5:3-12 to see that blessing in the Christian story comes often from circumstances considered “unhappy” in the American story.
2. “Thanks” often translates the Greek word “charis” in the Bible, the same word that means “grace.”
   What grace has operated in your life to bring you to today? Where have you known God’s favor? These are places to start with “thanks,” and they usually lead to many more.
3. “Giving,” another core concept of the Christian narrative. In our story, it is impossible to receive grace without responding. Yes, we are called to “give thanks” to God for his mighty favor in our lives, but we are also called to give “thanks” to others by…
4. “living” faith, hope, and love into others’ lives — “because he first loved us.” Whom will you love today, this week? How?
   When we love others, especially those who are different from us, we are living Thanksgiving in a way that will bring “happiness,” not just blessing but a true sense of joy, delight, rest, and contentment — shalom!
5. Turkey. Despite the fact that I have a heart to live a happy thanksgiving in my life, I’ll probably end up being a turkey at some point in the next week. That is, I may throw  a very unhappy pity party for myself somewhere along the way. May I never forget, when I do turn inward in sin, that the good news, the happy news, for which I am thankful every day is that I am a sinner saved by grace!

So there you go. Happy Thanksgiving. Now it’s your turn. Share YOUR ideas on having a “Happy Thanksgiving.” Don’t forget to include practical things like “don’t forget to thaw out the turkey!” :-)! Also, make sure to sign up for the free Thanksgiving story topics if you want more inspiration!