I’m guilty.  I definitely hopped into Christmas mode pre-Thanksgiving.  That’s not usually my style.  I love Thanksgiving.  I love the family gathering and the ridiculously good food and the football and the opportunity to focus on gratitude without the pressure of buying gifts.  I love Thanksgiving.  This year, though, I have just felt this longing for Christmas, for the joy and the hope and the goodwill to all men.  I’ve longed for the promise fulfilled and the rejoicing … and, to be perfectly candid, the cold weather. 

Christmas is a really big deal, and I’m not sorry for making a big deal of it.  But, today is not the week before Christmas; it is the week before Thanksgiving.  I’m giving myself this opportunity to backtrack briefly and focus on all that God has done and give thanks “unto Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly beyond all that we ask or imagine.”  (Ephesians 3:20) I’m never as in awe of the fact that God can do something great as I am the fact that He is willing to do something great.  Psalm 126 says it this way (emphasis mine):

¹ When the LORD restored the fortunes of Zion, 
   we were like those who dreamed. 
² Our mouths were filled with laughter, 
   our tongues with songs of joy. 
Then it was said among the nations, 
   “The LORD has done great things for them.” 
³ The LORD has done great things for us, 
   and we are filled with joy.

In the past, I’ve given you alphabetical lists of people and places and experiences for which I am grateful.  This year, I’m offering you a playlist.  There’s nothing new here, but it’s a great combination of expressions of gratefulness.  My Thanksgiving Playlist:

1.     Blessed – Brett Dennen

2.     I Have Been Blessed – Martina McBride

3.     Doubly Good – Amy Grant

4.     A Grateful People – Watermark

5.     Made Me Glad – Hillsong

6.     Thank You for Hearing Me – David Crowder Band

7.     Psalm 126 (You Have Done Great Things) – Passion Worship Band