“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” (Colossians 3:17)

Thanksgiving has passed, and we are now entering the Christmas season. As shoppers line up outside of stores to score Black Friday deals and the hustle and bustle of the holiday season begins, it is easy to lose sight of what it means to have a thankful heart.

As Christians, it is important to remember that we are called to have a thankful heart all year long, not just on Thanksgiving. Psalm 107:1 says, “Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!”

So how can we incorporate thankfulness into our daily lives? Unfortunately, this can be a difficult task, as we live in a world where it seems impossible to escape consumerism. However, as Christians, we know that material things can never bring true satisfaction. Having Jesus in our lives is the only thing that can fill this void.

While earthly things can bring short-term satisfaction, they will never be enough. For this reason, it is so important to focus on being thankful for our blessings, especially during the busy holiday season leading up to Christmas.

In addition, Paul reminds us in Acts 20:35 that, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Rather than focusing on our own desires, the holidays present a chance for us to be a blessing to others.

As we enter the Christmas season, I encourage you to pray for a thankful heart. Ask God to give you strength, self-control and love. While it can be easy to fall into consumerism, remember that the only one who can truly satisfy our hearts is Jesus.

At Grand Canyon University, we strive to emulate Jesus Christ in all we say and do. To learn more about GCU’s Christian identity and heritage, visit our website or request more information by using the button at the top of this page.