Thanksgiving Changed

"A greedy man brings trouble to his family, but he who hates bribes will live." Proverbs 15:26 NIV

He's a cute little boy, one that I'd probably pick for a commercial. He's probably not really a greedy person, but at the end of the commercial he tells us we need to get more Christmas.

This week in particular the ads are out. The commercials are all about a day that is considered Black Friday. A day that used to be fun, one that would begin the Christmas shopping season. The problem is it's changed. The time to open and begin this crazy shopping spree is earlier and earlier. So much earlier that now we aren't even waiting until Friday. Some stores will now be open on Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving-a holiday set apart to help us remember what we are thankful for. Remember the story. A group of pilgrims came over on the Mayflower to serve God in a place with no restrictions. It was a tough journey: sickness, starvation, cold. They were determined to make it though and with the help of the natives they learned how to survive and thrive.

They had a meal together to thank God and thank the natives for helping them. It was outside and quite festive and joyous. They relaxed and fellowship together. The color of skin didn't matter. the language barrier didn't matter. They stopped and thanked God for what He'd given them.

This day of remembrance and being thankful has changed. People are in a rush. Is there even a time to remember God and be thankful?

Our Thanksgiving tradition has changedas well. It's a change that I really enjoy. We spend it outdoors not quite the same way the pilgrims did. We have our electricity and running water. It's relaxing and fellwoshiping with family. We are not in a rush. We spend time together not worrying about the greatest deal, instead we remember to thank God for all He's done for us.

Don't rush through Thanksgiving just to get more Christmas.