Often at the breakfast table, my father would pray, probably inspired by these words from Lamentations, Thank You, Lord, for Your blessings which are new each morning and fresh each evening.

Truly we are blessed—individually, in our families, and as a nation.

The unsung heroes of every war are the logisticians. You know they have been working for months toward the goal that every Soldier in every corner of this world will have a Thanksgiving dinner with all the trimmings. There is something about Thanksgiving that unites us as a people. Thank You, Lord.

Is there room in your heart to give thanks this morning? Someone once asked, "What if God didn’t take the time to bless us today because we couldn’t take the time to thank Him yesterday?" The good news is that we have ample opportunities to give thanks; thanksgiving is always in order!

Above all, we thank God for sending His Son, in Whose birth we rejoice at Christmas. Expressing thanks is not limited to words. How about Operation Christmas Child and the Toys for Christ Church? May God bless you for the many ways you say "thank you" to God.

As you enjoy Thanksgiving, and as this spirit spills over into Christmas, recall that "Gratitude is a seasoning for all seasons."

Let us pray. Lord, please enable us to give thanks with a grateful heart, then to open our hearts and give. With thanks for Your extravagant Gift, Amen.