Mmmmm…I can almost smell the cornbread dressing and the pecan pie already. Thanksgiving is almost here! I love this opportunity to sit down together and connect over a family meal. Putting phones away and welcoming friends and family to the table is something I count as a blessing. Even though there may be awkward moments or tension, food allergies or burnt pie crusts, there are also stories to share and laughs to be had together. And the food!

While it can be tempting to give in to frustration or focus on what we lack, I want to encourage you to look through a lens of gratitude. We have so much to be thankful for! We are blessed by a God who loves us. That is reason alone to be grateful. 1 Chronicles 16:34 reminds us to “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever!” One way we can express our gratitude is through our actions. With a thankful heart, let’s extend this great love to others. Invite them to your table. Choose forgiveness. Be kind and encouraging. Bring joy to others. Let someone know how much you appreciate them and why. Be a generous listener. Look for opportunities to share the HOPE we have in Jesus.

In fact, we’ve got one way you can do just that, coming up Thanksgiving evening at 8pm! That’s when LifeSongs becomes your Christmas soundtrack. Why Christmas music? There are so many people searching. Looking for connection, for comfort, for hope. Our prayer is that those who may stumble upon LifeSongs and hear a familiar holiday tune would find the true “thrill of HOPE” in our only source, and in the reason we have to celebrate: Jesus. Please pray for them, invite them to the table, and that they stick around, even after Christmas, to continue hearing messages of good news and great joy on LifeSongs.

Christmas may be a rare season that has its own soundtrack, but there are so many songs of gratitude and thanks that might be perfect to incorporate around your Thanksgiving table! Here are a few of my favorites:

Happy Thanksgiving! My heart is full of gratitude for you. Now, pass those sweet potatoes!