With today being Thanksgiving I got to thinking about all the people who I know that are truly grateful; people who live every day of their lives as a way to show their gratitude to God. Many of these people are a part of Celebration Community Church. They remind me of a group of Christians who lived almost 400 years ago who survived the harsh environment in the New World, and decided to set aside a day in the fall at which they would express thanksgiving to God. They brought an offering to God, experienced a banquet and shared in fellowship together. Today we know this as Thanksgiving and we will celebrate it as a national Holiday.
But about 3000 years before the Pilgrims, God told His people, the children of Israel, the people who were true believers, I want you to set aside a day in the fall at which they would bring an offering to God, express their thanks to God, share a joyful meal together. It was called the Feast of Weeks or the Harvest Festival, They did that 3000 years before the Pilgrims did it and inspired God’s New World Christians to do likewise. Another name for that feast is Pentecost, the day we recognize as the birthday of Christ's church by God sending His Holy Spirit to live in the lives of believers.
Today we are to do the same. As you gather with your family and friends do more than eat turkey and watch football (Da Bears are playing the Packers in prime time). With joy, give your heartfelt thanks to God with song, an offering of praise and acts of service. Be sure to tell your children the real meaning behind this holiday.
Celebrate the Harvest Festival, to honor the Lord your God by bringing Him a freewill offering in proportion to the blessing He has given you. Be joyful in the Lord's presence, together with your children..." Deuteronomy 16:10-11
Your grateful pastor and partner in ministry,
Kyle
If you don’t have a place to enjoy your Thanksgiving meal please come join Debbie and me at the Rose Garden Banquet Hall at noon.
THIS SUNDAY 5th Sunday. Bring a non perishable food item for C3’s food pantry. If you want to be baptized or have your child dedicated e-mail me kyle@celebratejesus.org
If you have not yet turned in your Forward Faith 3 year commitment card you may do so THIS SUNDAY in the lobby at C3.
Bring in your wrapped shoeboxes THIS SUNDAY or next.
C3LA, Celebration's Leadership Academy will hold their graduation celebration this Sunday at 2:00 pm at C3. All are invited to come out and celebrate this special event with us.
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