I’m a “I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas” sort of guy. Sunshine, 80 degree weather and palm trees wrapped in colored lights have never inspired the Christmas spirit within me. That is not say it doesn’t work or shouldn’t work for others, just not me.
Last weekend my siblings and I spent a long weekend in Florida readying our parents house for snowbirds arrival this winter. As part of our prep work there were several trips to the local Wal-Mart. This box store was in full Christmas mode. Carols were blaring over the loud speakers. The Christmas theme dominated every section. I remind you, this is still two weeks before Thanksgiving!
I love Christmas and the whole Christmas season. I’m no Scrooge. In fact there is still a lot of little boy wonder in me when it comes to this time of year. I get as excited about Santa’s arrival as my four grandchildren. Maybe even more. However, I have a great deal to be thankful for each year, especially this year, and do not want the greed driven, commercialized-buying-blitz-wrapped-in-swaddling-clothes-disguise-of-a-holy-event to crowd out this one time when we as a nation at least pretend to be a thankful people for the abundance we enjoy.
To be clear, when the Bible talks about abundant life it is not referring to the junk in our rented storage facilities, basements and attics that we no longer have a use for. It is not referring to our stock portfolios, gas-guzzling SUV’s or homes in gated communities. The abundant life that Jesus has in mind is measured in relationships. It is the amount of love we are privileged to exchange through the right relationships we develop with others. It is the love that flows when we assume the servant role that Jesus modeled so beautifully for us.
This Thanksgiving I will push the Christmas spirit aside long enough to protect the integrity of Thanksgiving so that I can spend the day giving thanks for the abundant life I have been privileged to live. It is not life without loss or heartache or disappointment or uncertainty at times to be sure, but it is a life that has known the power of love to transform, to heal, to set free, to empower and to courageously embrace each moment given by God with a profound gratitude for the opportunity to serve and love abundantly.
This Thanksgiving may I ask that you spend your day giving thanks for the abundant life you have been given.
