The Holiday Triangle

From Thanksgiving to Christmas and right through New Years, are the holidays about anything other than the obvious--celebrations, time with family, gift-giving, and hoping for a great new year? It's easy to hurry from one to the other as we throw out the pumpkins and put up the Christmas lights!

Thanksgiving is a reminder about the importance of gratitude--stopping to consider the beauty of creation, divine protection, and the many good things God provides every day. Gratitude is the basis of a right spirit before God. Thankfulness should put us in the proper state of mind to enjoy Christmas as we praise God for the greatest gift of all--Jesus!

True gratitude, not platitudes, leaves us humble and repentant before God. Repentance will change our thinking, our actions, and kindle a desire to become all that God called us to be. The New Year, a symbol of starting over, is a good time to put repentance into action.

As we draw closer to Christmas and a new year, remember you are in the holiday triangle. Unlike the mysterious Bermuda Triangle, the Holiday Triangle is a place of spiritual growth, joyful hope, and real change. Start with true gratitude for Jesus and rely on him for a fresh start this New Year.