Get the appGratefulSample
Have you noticed there is a lot of stress at Christmas time? It doesn't seem to matter if we're celebrating on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, the day after Christmas, or even a month later. There always seems to be some level of drama ...
There's drama at home while we're wrapping presents or cooking food. There's drama in the car on the way to the holiday celebration. And — if the movies are correct — there's always the potential for a triggering moment or two during the actual Christmas dinner and gift opening.
But why? If holidays are so stressful, why do we celebrate them? And how do we ease that tension? Thankfully, Paul sums it up pretty well in our reading for today: thankfulness. He starts off his letter to the Thessalonians not with complaints or a list of issues, but with a moment of gratitude. He lets them know above all else, he's thankful they are partnering with God to bring heaven closer to earth.
Sometimes balancing new opportunities, over-stimulating holidays, and family gatherings can be exhausting and stressful. If we go into those moments thankful for the people, the anticipated laughter, and shared experiences, chances are, it will make for a much better time. We might just walk away with a deep sense of belonging and fulfillment.
Scripture
About this Plan
At the end of each year, we have the chance to reflect on everything that's happened and all of the people around us. There’s so much we can be thankful for every year — even if things didn’t work exactly how we planned. God has given us so much, and the birth of Jesus is a great way to focus on all of the gifts we’ve received this year.
More
We would like to thank Stuff You Can Use for providing this plan. For more information, please visit: https://growcurriculum.org
