Year-Round Thanksgiving
“The sun looks down on nothing half so good as a household laughing together over a meal.” ~ C.S. Lewis
As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, it’s a wonderful opportunity to pause and reflect on God’s abundant goodness in our lives. At Gospel Family Ministries, we believe this day is more than a meal—it’s a moment for families to gather, share their gratitude, and glorify God together.
The Bible encourages us to live with a heart of thanksgiving. Psalm 100:4-5 says, "Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations."
This truth reminds us that Thanksgiving isn’t just about what we’re thankful for…
it’s about Who we’re thankful to.
Creating a Family Culture of Gratitude
Thanksgiving traditions often include food, family, friends, and football, but we can also be intentional to weave gratitude into the fabric of our day. Here are a few ways to focus your family’s celebration on giving thanks to God:
Start with Prayer: Before the meal begins, invite each person to share one thing they’re thankful for this year. Then pray together, thanking God for His blessings and faithfulness.
Read God’s Word Together: Choose a few Bible verses that highlight thanksgiving, such as:
"Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
"Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!" (Psalm 107:1)
Create a Gratitude Tree: Write down things you’re thankful for on paper leaves and attach them to a "tree" made from branches or a drawing. It’s a beautiful visual reminder of God’s provision and care.
Serve Others Together: Consider preparing extra food or care packages for neighbors or those in need. Acts of kindness help us embody Christ’s love and reflect His heart of generosity.
“It is not how much we have, but how much we enjoy, that makes happiness.” ~ Charles Spurgeon
Year-Round Thanksgiving
While Thanksgiving is a special day to pause and reflect, gratitude is a daily posture for believers. Philippians 4:6 encourages us: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God." This verse reminds us that gratitude isn’t just about recognizing the good it’s about trusting God with every part of our lives.
As you gather with loved ones this Thanksgiving, may your hearts overflow with thankfulness for God’s grace, His steadfast love, and the joy of being together. Let’s make this holiday a reflection of our faith, encouraging one another and glorifying God for His many blessings.
Discussion Questions for Thanksgiving Day
Over your Thanksgiving meal or during a family gathering, use these discussion questions to spark meaningful conversation:
How can we show gratitude to God even when times are tough?
Who has been a blessing in your life recently, and how can you bless them in return?
How can our family live out gratitude in our daily lives beyond Thanksgiving?
From all of us at Gospel Family Ministries, Happy Thanksgiving!
Jonathan Williams, Ph.D. (Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary) is the founder and executive director of Gospel Family Ministries. This ministry focuses on strengthening family ministry in the local church and cultivating family worship in the Christian home. Jonathan is the author of “A Practical Theology of Family Worship” and “Gospel Family.” He also teaches as an adjunct professor at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, TX, and is the managing editor of the Southwestern D6 Family Ministry Journal. Previously, Jonathan served for 10 years as the senior pastor of Wilcrest Baptist Church, a multi-ethnic church of more than 50 nations. He lives in Texas with his wife and three children.