Yancey County
Thanksgiving isn’t merely a holiday—it’s a spiritual posture. As with all Christians who live in hopeful anticipation of Christ’s return and strive to reflect His character daily, gratitude isn’t confined to a single Thursday in November. It’s a way of life rooted in Scripture, shaped by faith, and expressed in service.
The Bible is saturated with calls to give thanks. Paul writes, “In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18, KJV). This command isn’t conditional—it applies in joy and sorrow, abundance and need. Psalm 100:4 invites us to “Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name” (Psalm 100:4, KJV). Gratitude is the gateway to worship.
Jesus Himself modeled thanksgiving. Before feeding the five thousand, “Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples” (John 6:11, KJV). Before raising Lazarus, He said, “Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me” (John 11:41, KJV). Even in the upper room, facing betrayal and death, “he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them” (Luke 22:19, KJV). For all Christians, this is compelling: thanksgiving isn’t circumstantial—it’s spiritual.
While many Americans spend Thanksgiving watching football and feasting, Christians often gather for Christ-centered meals, testimonies, and acts of service. Family devotions, vegetarian dishes, and community outreach are common. The focus is not just food, but faith and fellowship.
Thanksgiving is not limited to harvest seasons. In Luke 17:11-19, Jesus heals ten lepers, but only one returns to thank Him. “And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God” (Luke 17:15, KJV). That man was still a Samaritan, still marginalized—but he recognized grace and responded with gratitude. Christians are called to do the same, even “in the middle of it,” before the healing is complete.
This kind of thankfulness is countercultural. It doesn’t wait for perfect circumstances. It sees God in the good and the bad, His provision in famine, and His promises in delay.
Thanksgiving takes on a deeper meaning when viewed through the lens of eternity. For Christians who await the Second Coming of Christ, gratitude is not just a response to earthly blessings—it’s a rehearsal for Heaven. Scripture paints a vivid picture of the heavenly realm as a place filled with praise, joy, and thanksgiving. Revelation 7:12 declares, “Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen” (KJV).
As we think about Heaven, we are reminded that its atmosphere will be saturated with gratitude and worship. The redeemed will sing songs of deliverance, give thanks for salvation, and glorify the Lamb who was slain. In light of this, our lives today should reflect that same spirit. Every act of praise, every word of thanks, is a foretaste of the eternal celebration to come.
Living with thanksgiving now prepares our hearts for the joy of Heaven. It lifts our eyes above the trials of this world and anchors our hope in the promises of God. As we await Christ’s return, let us cultivate a lifestyle of praise and thankfulness to the Lord of Heaven—because eternity begins with gratitude.
In an age of entitlement and anxiety, gratitude is a witness. When Christians give thanks publicly, serve willingly, and live generously, we reflect the character of Christ. Thanksgiving becomes evangelism.
As we gather this season, let us remember: gratitude is not a holiday—it’s holiness in action. Amen!
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Pastor Art Dmytriyev is originally from Siberia. He has traveled the world in Evangelism and pastoral ministry. He serves as a pastor in North Carolina, holds a Master of Divinity degree, and is currently a Doctor of Ministry candidate. More information at: https://burnsvillenc.adventistchurch.org/pastors-blog
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