Thanksgiving and Thanks-living
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NRSV)
Thanksgiving observance has been a government tradition in the U.S.A. since 1789. As Christians, we celebrate thanksgiving everyday to remind us of the grace that our Creator extends through Jesus Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit. As we pause to reflect on our thankfulness during this holiday season, let us be reminded of the wars in Gaza and the Sudan; the homeless, jobless and financially strained persons in our society; persons living with disabilities; and others who are living with HIV/AIDS, cancer or grieving the loss of loved ones due to gun violence. It is more difficult for these individuals to give thanks in some instances. They may be encountering anger, fear, frustration or disappointment. Or, they may still be numb from the shock of devastating news.
The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Office of Public Witness (OPW) remains prayerful during these times for the many personal and global circumstances that impact our lives daily. Our thanksgiving is possible, because we know that your prayers are at work for us as we serve the gospel of Jesus Christ through our advocacy work. Despite moments of disappointment with our leaders in this nation, we are not deterred from believing that God is still sovereign in all things. Therefore our faith in God through Jesus Christ allows us to proclaim as did the writer of 1 Thessalonians “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” Our call is to remain faithful while advocating for a new reality in our midst. We know that new realities are possible, because our celebration of Advent in a few weeks reminds us of the redemptive love and power found in Jesus Christ our Lord.
We need your help in this coming session of Congress. Our work on issues such as Immigration Reform, Federal Budget, Middle East Peace, the Sudan, Trade Issues, Gun Violence, Environmental Issues, Mass Incarceration, Violence Against Women, and a host of other issues that are before this global world, is often daunting. However, we are not discouraged. God’s truth is still marching on! We thank you for your prayers, financial support, and active participation in a public witness on behalf of our denomination.
Remember, it is not too late to make a tax deductible financial contribution to the work of advocacy in our office. Nor, is it too late for you to extend your commitment to become involved in making a difference.
In the faith we share,
J. Herbert
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NRSV)
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