Holiday Traditions

Is your idea of holiday traditions BAH HUMBUG.  Do you look at all the stuff that goes on and think of it as useless and silly? Would you just as soon skip the end of November and all of December?  Then take it up with the one who started it all.  He is known by various names, Jehovah, El Shaddai, Wonderful Counselor, Lord God Almighty, or Jesus.

1. Exodus 12:14 It is God who started the idea of traditions.

   a. traditions here: watching parades/ turkey, special foods, etc./ football/ decorations/ spend it with family and friends / Australia goes to beach/ special things you do

2.  Timothy 2:1 thanksgiving for everyone

   a. all are made in the image of God

   b. thanks goes to God in appreciation for others

3.  Colossians 4:2  attitude of the heart in prayer

   a. from within not faked or for show

   b. proper focus of our thoughts

4. I Thessalonians 5:18  thanks in all circumstances

   a. not for all circumstance but in

   b. is a statement of trust & hope in God

5. Colossians 3:17 attitude and actions

   a. more than just words it will spur you to action

   b. thankful for the food you have will cause you to share food

6. Hebrews 13:15 KJV sacrificial praise & thanks

   a. giving of thanks to Jesus name even when it hurts

   b. a sacrifice is when it cost us something

   c. you won’t do this if it isn’t already inside you

   d. if you praise & give thanks for show when things get rough you will stop

7. Psalm 107:1 God is to be the object of our thankfulness

  a. how fitting holiday’s begin w/ day of Thanksgiving

  b. we stop and reflect upon God’s mercy, the bounty He has given us

  c. from here we have what is called a season of giving which is a natural outflow of thanks.

Spend time with your family or friends this week.  Look for ways to express your thankful heart.  What would God have you do?  How can you share the love of God this season?  Remember what you do for others you do unto the Lord.  He does take notice.  Be thankful always in all circumstances from your heart.  Express your thankfulness to God for His great mercy by reaching out to others.