As we look forward to the good times, festivities and family gatherings, do we stop to think why we are doing this? It's a beautiful thing when families come together for fellowship and fun and exchange gifts. From the Scriptures, it's apparent that God feels the same way. He commanded therefore that the people of Israel observe three main feasts every year. They are the feasts of Passover, the feast of Pentecost and the feast of Tabernacles. While the Passover was a solemn feast, the others were feasts of joy. In Deuteronomy chapter 16, from verse 10 God says, "And thou shalt keep the feast of weeks unto the LORD thy God with a tribute of a freewill offering of thine hand, which thou shalt give unto the LORD thy God, according as the LORD thy God hath blessed thee." Also, in Psalm 16:11 the inspired Word of God says, "Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore." It is impossible to miss the strong connection God makes between obedience, joy, and giving with a grateful heart to God. This is true thanksgiving when we give to God and share our bounty with others. Both in Thanksgiving and Christmas, we should first offer ourselves in prayer and gratitude to God our provider at the start of the festivities. Then God will abundantly bless! As a nation, we have evicted God from our festivities and daily living. It is very rare to see people giving thanks for their food in a restaurant. They act like it's all coming to us because we are such special and good people. The pride runs deep. As we see from the Scriptures, God will not put up with this. "Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall" (Proverbs 16:18). The Son of God sacrificed Himself on the cross. I believe it was the hardest thing an infinite God ever had to do. Should we treat it lightly? Should He be displaced by Santa who is almost treated like a pagan god? If we expect God's blessing on a family or on a nation, we must first honor His Son Jesus Christ! How do we honor Him? Simply ask Him to forgive your sins, that your are sincerely sorry for your sins, come into your heart and be Lord of your life. To those who do, God offers His blessings abundantly. For those who reject or ignore Him, an angry God promises everlasting punishment in hell. In our fellowship here in Waynesboro Bible Church, we celebrate the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays with much joy and fellowship, praising God. We would love to have you come and join us.