Invite Jesus to the Table This Thanksgiving
By Alex Murashko
At your family gathering this Thanksgiving, for your uncle at the table who just wants someone to listen to him in between his drunken tears, make sure you seat him next to Jesus.
As the little kids chase each other around the crowded dining room, while the turkey is still being carved, ask them if they know that Jesus loves them. This Thanksgiving, tell them how much you love Jesus and know, without a shadow of a doubt, that He’s in the room right now!
While the conversation about a dark, fallen world between Trumpers, the gay guest invited by your sister, and the Gen Z on his or her iPhone, keeps falling (spiraling) downwards, tell them Jesus came for everyone.
It’s not wrong to speak up about your thankfulness for the greatest gift to mankind: Jesus Christ. It’s the truth. Bringing up the subject of our faith in Him is the loving thing to do. It’s kind.
Hug, love, and use words if you must! This Thanksgiving, let others know that Jesus has been invited. He's in the house!
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. – John 3:16
That’s Good News! Something to be passed around the table. Something to be thankful for. Be sure to give your special guest a big serving.
Jesus being invited to a celebration or gathering is nothing new.
Now both Jesus and His disciples were invited to the wedding. – John 2:2
Seems the invitation worked out well for the host. Refreshments had to be replenished and they came by way of the guest of honor!
Afraid to face a critical-spirited relative? Knowing that you never talk to another family member all year, but your guilt drives you to send a holiday gathering invite anyways? Anxious that maybe there are not enough seats for everyone?
If you have a relationship with Jesus, and you invite Him to Thanksgiving, that means you can give all your pre-event worries to Him. (BTW, invite Him to be a part of your life every day!)
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:6,7
Too many times, the holidays equate to stress. I imagine you feel like I do: celebrations about remembering what to be thankful for shouldn’t be about anxiety or frustration.
What if you had a reminder that, because of your relationship with Jesus, you have love and hope and peace sitting right next to you at the table?
Better yet, as a follower of Christ, remember this: God is inside of you.
Prayer: May He dwell in our hearts and shine on our Thanksgiving guests. May we be unashamed to share Jesus every day. Let’s celebrate Him!
Alex Murashko is lead writer for the Thinke writing team. His site Media on Mission features stories written by journalists with a biblical world view. Murashko is a contributor to Higher Ground at the Washington Times.
Connect: @AlexMurashko