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Christ’s Path of Gratitude

Gratitude is more than a feeling; it’s a way of life, and no one exemplified this better than Jesus. Throughout His ministry, Jesus consistently paused to give thanks. From small daily blessings to miraculous moments, He showed us how to express gratitude in every circumstance. Today we will observe how Jesus' acts of thanksgiving can serve as a guide for us and discover practical ways to make thanksgiving an integral part of our daily lives. 

His Displays of Gratitude

The Feeding of the 5,000 

The Feeding of the 5,000 is one of the most well-known miracles of Jesus, where He took five loaves of bread and two fish, blessed them, and multiplied them to feed a crowd of over 5,000 people. Before performing this miracle, Jesus gave thanks to God, demonstrating gratitude even in a moment of apparent scarcity. His act of thanksgiving was a powerful reminder that, no matter how small our resources may seem, God can multiply them in ways we can’t imagine. 

Raising Lazarus from the Dead 

The story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead is an example of absolute power and heartfelt gratitude. Before performing the miracle, Jesus paused to thank His Father, saying, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me” (John 11:41). Expressing gratitude before the miracle occurred, Jesus demonstrated that gratitude isn’t just a response to what God has done but a declaration of faith in what He will do. He reminds us to approach every situation with a thankful heart, confident that God hears us and works for our good.

The Last Supper

As we all know, during the Last Supper, Jesus shared a meal with His disciples, knowing it would be His final one before facing the cross. In this intimate and somber moment, He took bread, gave thanks, and broke it, saying, “This is My body, given for you” (Luke 22:19). Despite the heavy burden of His impending sacrifice, Jesus paused to express gratitude for the moment, for His disciples, and for the fulfillment of God's plan. Communicating gratitude even in the shadow of His death, Jesus illustrates the value of giving thanks no matter the circumstances and helps us to focus on God’s presence and purpose in all things. 

Revealing Truth to the Humble 

Highlighting the importance of humility to receive God’s wisdom, Jesus offered a prayer of thanksgiving, saying, “I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children” (Matthew 11:25).  This display of gratitude demonstrates the significance of expressing gratitude for the revelations that God presents to those who are humble and receptive.  

Lessons from Jesus’ Gratitude

Jesus’ gratitude was a reflection of His heart and relationship with the Father. Through His example, we learn that gratitude is more than saying "thank you"; it’s a powerful expression of faith and worship. This challenges us to adopt an attitude of gratitude that transforms our relationship with God, deepens our faith, and is an example of His love.

• Gratitude as a Habit: Jesus consistently gave thanks in all circumstances, from everyday meals to miraculous moments, reminding us that gratitude should be woven into the fabric of our daily lives.
• Gratitude as Worship: Every time Jesus gave thanks, He acknowledged God’s sovereignty and provision, glorifying the Father through His words and actions. Gratitude is an act of worship that draws us closer to God and shifts our focus from ourselves to His goodness.
• Gratitude as Trust: Whether in abundance or adversity, Jesus’ thankfulness revealed His unwavering trust in God’s plan. 

Following His Example

Following Jesus’ example of gratitude requires making gratitude a central part of life. 

• Practice Daily Thanksgiving:  Make gratitude a regular part of your day. Whether it’s through prayer, journaling, or simply pausing to reflect, take time to thank God for His blessings, both big and small.
• Give Thanks in All Circumstances: Like Jesus, we can express gratitude during times of abundance and challenge. This doesn’t mean ignoring pain or difficulty but choosing to trust God through it all.
• Acknowledge God’s Sovereignty: When you thank God, remember it’s an act of worship. Take moments to recognize His power, wisdom, and love, praising Him for His hand in your life.
• Encourage Others with Gratitude: Jesus’ public expressions of thanks often inspired and strengthened those around Him. Share your gratitude with others, building their faith and pointing them toward God’s goodness.
• Seek Humility and Dependence on God: Jesus’ gratitude stemmed from His deep trust in the Father. By humbling ourselves and depending on God, we can cultivate a similar heart of thankfulness, open to His revelations and blessings.

Happy Thanksgiving

Jesus showed us that Thanksgiving is more than a seasonal practice—it’s a posture of the heart. His life was a masterclass in gratitude, showing us that gratitude is a powerful expression of trust, faith, and worship. Let’s commit to walking in thankfulness, not just during the Thanksgiving season, but every day, allowing our gratitude to draw us closer to God and shine His light on the world around us.

-Torrance Community Church of Christ

Gratitude Tree Craft

As the Thanksgiving season approaches, it’s a wonderful time to pause and reflect on the blessings in our lives. But why not make gratitude a daily habit? A beautiful way to do this is by creating a “Gratitude Tree,” a visual reminder of all the things we’re thankful for each day. This simple craft encourages us to take a moment every day to acknowledge and appreciate what we have—and share that with each other.

What is a Gratitude Tree?

A Gratitude Tree is a meaningful activity for anyone. It is a versatile tool that can be modified to be used among family, friends, colleagues, or any other group. Everyone contributes a leaf each day with something they’re grateful for. Over time, the tree grows more vibrant as it fills up with everyone’s expressions of gratitude. This tree can be as big or small as you want, and the beauty of this craft is that it evolves as you find new things to be thankful for. 

Why a Gratitude Tree?

A Gratitude Tree is a valuable practice that grants us the opportunity to perceive grace and grow appreciation in life while encouraging us to see God’s hand in everything.  

Beyond that, it allows us to:

• Strengthen Bonds: Sharing gratitude encourages us to understand each other’s lives, challenges, and joys.
• Focus on Positivity: Even on difficult days, taking a moment to express gratitude can shift our focus to what truly matters.
• Create Lasting Memories: Each leaf on the tree represents a moment in time, a blessing from God, and a precious memory.

How to Create a Gratitude Tree

Materials:

• Poster board or brown kraft/packing paper
• Colored construction paper (red, orange, brown, yellow)
• Markers/colored pencils/crayons
• Tape/glue/string
• Scissors

Instructions:

First, gather all of your supplies. Then, you'll create the tree trunk. Draw a simple tree trunk with branches on a poster board, or use kraft paper to form a tree trunk and branches. Then you’ll prepare the leaves by cutting out leaf shapes from colored paper (or you can print and cut these leaves). Be sure to make plenty—you’ll want enough for each person to add one every day through the month! Now that everything is prepared, you’ll want to set aside a time each day for everyone to gather together and reflect on all of the blessings in their lives. Every day, everyone will take a leaf and write down one thing they are grateful for. Use tape or string to hang your leaves to your branches, and watch your tree grow with colorful reminders of gratitude! When the tree is finally full, take some to read each leaf together. Discuss what each note of gratitude means to you. 

Bonus: By Thanksgiving, your tree will be full of blessings, making it a beautiful and fitting centerpiece for the holiday. 

Wrapping Up

A Gratitude Tree is more than a craft, it instills a habit of daily gratitude. Each leaf is a memory, a blessing, a lesson, or a joyful moment that you can look back on. Keep your gratitude tree as a keepsake or make it an annual tradition. The memories captured in those leaves are priceless, and it’s a joy to look back and see the many ways God has been present in your life.

This November, let’s celebrate the blessings we have, and elevate our gratitude. What are you grateful for today?

-Torrance Community Church of Christ

A Feast for the Soul: Family Devotionals Before Thanksgiving Dinner

As the aroma of Thanksgiving feasts fills the air and families gather around tables adorned with gratitude, there's an opportunity to boost the spirit before indulging in the bountiful meal. Today we are sharing four heartwarming devotionals that are designed to usher in a sense of thankfulness and unity. Each devotional provides moments of connection and reflection, deepening bonds as we prepare our hearts to celebrate Thanksgiving in the most meaningful way—with family and a spirit of gratitude.

Devotional 1: "Overflowing Gratitude"

Scripture: Psalm 107:1 (NIV)
"Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever."

This devotional, titled "Overflowing Gratitude," centers around Psalm 107:1, urging individuals to give thanks to the Lord for His enduring love. It encourages self-reflection on moments of experiencing God's goodness, emphasizing gratitude beyond positive situations. The devotional suggests actively engaging in sharing examples of blessings and concludes with a prayer for nurturing hearts of gratitude and encouragement to let gratitude transform one's perspective.

Download the PDF here

Devotional 2: "Thanksgiving Joy"

Scripture: Philippians 4:4 (NIV)
"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!"

The devotional, "Thanksgiving Joy," centers on Philippians 4:4, encouraging individuals to rejoice in the Lord always. It reflects on the connection between gratitude and joy, emphasizing how thanksgiving can bring about a deep sense of rejoicing. The reflection prompts consideration of moments when gratitude has brought joy and challenges readers to find joy in expressing thanks for both blessings and lessons learned. The prayer seeks help in nurturing a spirit of gratitude for lasting joy, and the encouragement wishes for the joy of the Lord to fill hearts as gratitude becomes a testimony of being anchored in His love during Thanksgiving.

Download the PDF here

Devotional 3: "The Table of Thanksgiving"

Scripture: Psalm 23:5 (NIV)
"You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows."

The devotional, "The Table of Thanksgiving," draws inspiration from Psalm 23:5, presenting a metaphorical "table of thanksgiving" symbolizing God's provision and abundance. It encourages reflection on areas of abundant provision, moments of feeling God's presence in challenges and recognizing His overflowing love. The application suggests intentionally acknowledging God's presence and sharing stories of His generosity during Thanksgiving, fostering gratitude and appreciation. The prayer expresses thanks for God's blessings and seeks His guidance in recognizing His hand at work. The encouragement wishes for a sense of awe and gratitude to fill hearts at the Thanksgiving table.

Download the PDF here

Devotional 4: "A Thankful Heart"

Scripture: Colossians 3:15 (NIV)
"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful."

The devotional, "A Thankful Heart," focuses on Colossians 3:15, highlighting the connection between gratitude and the peace of Christ. It encourages reflection on moments when gratitude has brought inner peace and suggests considering how a thankful attitude can impact relationships. Individuals are encouraged to commit to nurturing a grateful heart as a daily habit, extending peace and gratitude to others, and fostering unity within the community. The prayer expresses gratitude for the peace that comes from a thankful heart and seeks guidance in expressing gratitude in all circumstances. The encouragement emphasizes letting gratitude be the key to opening the door to inner peace and unity.

Download the PDF here

May your Thanksgiving Celebration be Abundant in Love, Faith, and the Warmth of Family

As you incorporate these family devotionals into your Thanksgiving traditions, may the moments of reflection and gratitude become threads weaving the fabric of togetherness through shared faith and love. May the essence of thanksgiving linger in your hearts, transforming the gathering around your table into a truly blessed and joy-filled occasion. Let these moments of devotion be a foundation for lasting memories, reinforcing the significance of gratitude not just during the holiday season but throughout the entire year. 

Happy Thanksgiving,

Your Friends from Torrance Church of Christ