On Christmas Day, we celebrate the greatest gift ever given: Jesus Christ, God coming to dwell among us. Amid the joy and festivities, let us take a moment to reflect on the meaning of “Immanuel” –God with us.

This is how God showed His love among us. He sent His one and only Son into the world that we might live through Him. This is love; not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear Friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.

And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.

Thanksgiving Day invites us to pause, to gather for reflection and unified expression of gratitude for blessings we receive. While the holiday has increasingly adopted secular traditions, some individuals continue to honor its religious origins. Whatever our present condition is, we should not be too comfortable to forget God’s blessings in all times.

And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.