Dear Friends in Christ,
“It’s the most wonderful time of the year.” No, I’m not referring to Christmas as Andy Williams was when he first sang the popular holiday song with this title in 1963. I’m thinking of Thanksgiving.

Now, many – if not most – of the people I know wouldn’t understanding this. Do you?

I’m thinking of Thanksgiving because for me it’s the holiday of holidays when it comes to my religious faith. Now you may wonder: Why not Christmas – or Easter? And, you’d be right to do so because these are huge Christian holidays.

But, still, I call Thanksgiving the most wonderful time of the year because it’s the holiday that focuses me on “the ground” of my faith: gratitude. I’m grateful to God for so many things, but especially the basics of life and love. And, unlike Christmas, there aren’t so many distractions like shopping and giving of material gifts. There’s “only” the food and conversation shared with loved ones around the table. And, this is more than enough!

In a time when Thanksgiving has faded into the background (Many of my neighbors put up their Christmas lights and decorations immediately after they take down Halloween!), I still remember experiences of Thanksgiving “so long ago.” And, I’m grateful to God for Thanksgivings -and loved ones – past and present. How about you?

Blessings of Thanksgiving – as a fundamental element of faith and love in our lives, Pastor Ed