There’s always a sense of excitement as Christmas draws near. I remember as a child, I was always wondering what gifts I would get for Christmas. I hoped it would be something I wanted, of course, but I knew I should be grateful for whatever I got, as my parents didn’t have a lot of money to spend. One year I got a puppet when I really wanted a baby doll. That was a disappointment, but looking back on it now, I realize that receiving the puppet was what sparked my interest in ventriloquism. Sometimes the gifts we think we don’t want are the very things we need.

In church last Sunday, the pastor talked about gifts–specifically, what gifts can we give God? He suggested a few possibilities: God values our love for Him. He appreciates our obedience, our devotion, and our gratefulness. We can also show our love for Him by giving to others. During these next two weeks, I’ll be thinking about the gift I can give God, as well as to others this Christmas. Is there some special gift you would like to give God or to someone you know who might need a special touch during this blessed Christmas season?

It’s just a few days past Thanksgiving, and I’m still reflecting on all I have to be thankful for–family, friends, and especially God’s love for me. Sometimes, when things aren’t going as well as I might like, I remind myself to be thankful for all the things God has done for me.

It’s important for every believer to not only feel thankful, but to take the time to tell God how much we appreciate Him and all the blessings He’s bestowed on us, as well as our families. Knowing that God can use all things for His good is more than enough reason for me to give thanks in everything.

I wrote a poem sometime ago entitled, “Thankful Attitude,” and it goes like this: We should be thankful for the abundance that is ours, for the beauty of this world, the sun, moon, and stars. For our family, friends, and God’s everlasting love, we should give thanks to the Father above. We should be thankful for the clothes we wear, and for the opportunities we have to share. For the Son whom God sent because of His love, we should offer our thanks to the Father above.

“Oh, give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.” Psalm 136:1.

What are you thankful for today?

As I prepare for Thanksgiving, I usually begin thinking of all the blessings God has given to me, and I’m thankful. However, this year I am not only thanking God for His many blessings, but I’m asking Him to show me how I can bless others.

I know many of my Amish friends who bless others by helping whenever they can. In fact, I’ve seen them drop whatever they are doing to help when a friend or relative has a need. I believe that God blesses us so that we can be a blessing to others. He desires for us to have a giving, loving heart. We are to imitate Jesus and go about doing good, as mentioned in Acts 10:38.

God’s Word also tells us in Ephesians 1:3: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ.”

What are some ways you have been blessed this week? What are some things you can do to bless others?