For That, I'm Thankful

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As I sat down to craft my Thanksgiving message this week, I found myself reflecting on how gratitude and hospitality intertwine in the Christian journey. The week before, I had shared about Jesus as the ultimate missionary, and it felt natural to build on that foundation by exploring four specific reasons we have to be thankful through the lens of Jesus's life, death, resurrection, and ascension. There's something powerful about helping people see these familiar theological concepts through fresh eyes, especially during a season when our hearts are already turned toward gratitude.

What really captured my heart, though, was this idea of Christian hospitality as a response to thankfulness. In our increasingly disconnected world, where studies show a growing epidemic of loneliness, I wanted to challenge our typical understanding of hospitality. You see, we often get caught up in this Pinterest-perfect version of hosting, but true biblical hospitality is something far more profound – it's about creating spaces of grace where people can be real, be themselves, and perhaps encounter God's love in the ordinary moments of life. I found myself thinking about all the times I've seen God work through simple cups of coffee or messy family dinners, and I wanted to share that vision with my congregation.

As we move into the holiday season (yes, I addressed the whole "Happy Holidays" debate!), I felt strongly led to encourage people to release themselves from the pressure of perfection and instead embrace the beautiful mess of authentic Christian hospitality. There's something deeply meaningful about transforming our living rooms, break rooms, and even pickle ball courts into launching pads for ministry and mission. What better way to express our gratitude for all God has done than by extending that same welcoming heart to others? It's not about impressive performances – it's about genuine presence, about creating those sacred spaces where God's grace can show up in beautifully ordinary ways.

View: For That, I am Thankful
(Message begins at 39:50)

Doing everything in love,
--Pastor Steve

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