As we journey through this season of Advent, our hearts are filled with hope, anticipation, and deep gratitude for the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. This time of year, marked by the beauty of Christmas lights, the warmth of family gatherings, and the joy of giving, is an invitation to reflect on the blessings God has poured out upon us. Psalm 136, with its repeated refrain, “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His lovingkindness is everlasting,” provides a beautiful framework for embracing gratitude during this Christmas season.
In Psalm 136, the psalmist calls God’s people to remember His goodness and to respond in praise. As we consider the birth of Christ, we are reminded of God’s incredible goodness toward us, His unending love, and the marvelous gift of Jesus. Gratitude flows naturally when we meditate on the wonders of what God has done, not only in the world but in our lives personally. This Christmas, let us reflect on the many reasons we have to give thanks to God and illuminate our hearts with a joyful appreciation for the Savior.
Gratitude for God's Goodness
The opening verse of Psalm 136 says, “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good.” This simple yet profound declaration is a cornerstone of our faith. God’s goodness is not based on our circumstances or our feelings; it is an essential part of His nature. He is good in every season, through every trial, and in every moment of our lives. His goodness is unwavering, and it is a constant source of hope and assurance for His people.
As we reflect on this Christmas season, we can give thanks for the goodness of God revealed through the gift of Jesus Christ. The coming of Christ was the ultimate act of goodness, a manifestation of God’s love toward us. Jesus, the Son of God, entered the world in humility, bringing light to the darkness and salvation to the lost. This Christmas, as we celebrate His birth, let us take a moment to reflect on the goodness of God in our lives—how He has provided for us, sustained us, and guided us through the highs and lows of life.
Application:
This Christmas, take time to reflect on God’s goodness in your life. As you celebrate the birth of Christ, consider how His goodness has shown up in your life in the form of answered prayers, provision, protection, and guidance. Let your gratitude be a response to His unchanging goodness.
Gratitude for God's Unfailing Love
Psalm 136:1 continues, “Give thanks to the Lord for His lovingkindness is everlasting.” The psalmist reminds us that God’s love is everlasting—it has no beginning or end. His love is not dependent on our performance or our worthiness; it is a constant, faithful love that endures through all time. In this Christmas season, we are reminded of God’s love in the most tangible way—through the birth of His Son, Jesus.
The birth of Christ was the culmination of God’s plan to demonstrate His love for the world. John 3:16 tells us, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” The incarnation of Jesus is the supreme act of love, and it should stir our hearts to deep gratitude. In the midst of all the festivities and the hustle and bustle of Christmas, let us pause to consider the magnitude of God’s love, which knows no bounds.
Application:
This Christmas, let God’s everlasting love be the foundation of your gratitude. Reflect on the love that was shown to you through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Allow His love to transform your heart, making you more compassionate, kind, and loving toward others. As you experience the joy of this season, let the love of Christ compel you to love others in return.
Gratitude for God's Faithfulness in Keeping His Promises
Psalm 136:2 says, “Give thanks to the God of gods, for His lovingkindness is everlasting.” This verse draws attention to the faithfulness of God in keeping His promises. God is the “God of gods”—the One who rules over all and has the power to fulfill His promises, no matter how impossible they may seem. Throughout history, God has shown His faithfulness in keeping His Word, and the birth of Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promise to send a Savior.
God’s faithfulness is seen in the birth of Jesus, who came to fulfill the prophecies spoken long ago. In Matthew 1:22-23, we read that the birth of Jesus was the fulfillment of the prophecy from Isaiah: “Behold, the virgin shall be with child and shall bear a son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which means “God with us.” God promised to be with His people, and He kept that promise in the person of Jesus. This Christmas, let us give thanks for the faithfulness of God to keep His promises, knowing that His Word is sure and His promises are always fulfilled.
Application:
As you celebrate Christmas, reflect on the promises of God in your own life. Think about how God has been faithful to you, how He has answered prayers, and how He has fulfilled His promises to you. Let this gratitude for His faithfulness fill your heart and inspire you to trust Him more fully in the future, knowing that He will continue to be faithful in all things.
Gratitude for the Gift of Jesus Christ
Finally, the ultimate reason for our gratitude this Christmas is the precious gift of Jesus Christ. The coming of Christ into the world is the greatest gift we could ever receive, and it should evoke a deep sense of appreciation and joy in our hearts. Jesus, as God’s perfect gift, embodies the goodness, love, and faithfulness of God in a way that is tangible and real. Through Him, we have received forgiveness, salvation, and the promise of eternal life.
Jesus came not just to live among us but to die for us, to take on our sins and offer us the free gift of eternal life. This gift, freely given by God, is the foundation of our faith and the reason we can approach God with confidence and gratitude. In this Christmas season, let us celebrate the incredible gift of Jesus, recognizing that He is the source of all our blessings and the ultimate expression of God’s love for us.
Application:
This Christmas, let the gift of Jesus Christ be the center of your gratitude. Take time to reflect on the sacrifice He made for you, and let that gratitude overflow into your worship and service to Him. Share the gift of Jesus with others, extending His love and grace to all those you encounter.
Dear friends, this Christmas, as we reflect on the goodness, love, faithfulness, and incredible gift of Jesus, let our hearts overflow with gratitude. Gratitude is not just an emotion but a way of life, one that turns our focus from what we lack to what God has abundantly provided. Let us give thanks to the Lord for He is good, for His lovingkindness is everlasting. May this season of Christmas be a time of deep appreciation for all that God has done and continues to do in our lives.