Thanksgiving

Lk. 22:19-20  And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them saying, "This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me."  Likewise He also took the cup after supper saying, "This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you."

Many denominations refer to part of their liturgy as the Lord's Supper or Holy Communion.  Some also call it the Eucharist.  As a young boy growing up in the Catholic church, I never really knew what "Eucharist" meant exactly and I guess at the time I was never curious enough to ask.

It wasn't until a few years ago that I discovered and understood that the Greek word "eucharistia" means, you guessed it, thanksgiving.  Expressing gratitude, using grateful language to God as an act of worship.  Jesus gave thanks (eucharistia) when He broke the bread and offered the cup and instructed us to do likewise.

When we celebrate the holiday of Thanksgiving, it is indeed fitting that we thank God for all that we have.  But let's understand too, that every time we remember the body and blood sacrifice of Jesus Christ by partaking in the Lord's Supper, Holy Communion or whatever we choose to call it, we do so with thanksgiving (eucharistia).

Of course we can give thanks any time, any place for any thing because thanksgiving is more than just a holiday, it is the expression of a grateful heart.  It is a year-round opportunity for us all to worship God using grateful language.

Give thanks with a grateful heart.  Give thanks to the Holy One.  Give thanks because He's given Jesus Christ, His Son.  Give thanks all the time.

Happy Thanksgiving!


Sock Monkey Snippet:  Thanksgiving is the expression of a grateful heart.