Gathering for Thanksgiving can really be a mixed bag for a big family. It can either lead to a warm and grateful atmosphere or turn into a session filled with complaints and grumbles. It’s kind of funny or, honestly, really frustrating depending on how things play out. But, I guess it’s not too shocking. After all, Thanksgiving often brings together family members who don’t see each other very often.
So, how can we make the most of a large family Thanksgiving?
If you’re hosting, one idea is to think of the Thanksgiving table as a feast similar to those from Biblical times. You might find that this perspective is actually encouraging for everyone involved. Here’s how.
Changing Your Heart with the Feast
Viewing Thanksgiving as a Biblical feast can shift your mindset in a few significant ways.
First, it shifts your focus. The purpose of these Biblical feasts was essentially to help people refocus away from themselves and back onto God. Take Passover, for instance. Israel was intensely focused on remembering their deliverance from Egypt. When your focus is on God’s goodness, you’re more likely to appreciate the good moments during dinner and be less bothered by any hiccups that might happen.
Second, thinking of Thanksgiving in this way can inspire you to invite more people to the gathering. Jesus had a knack for inviting those who were quite different from him—like sinners and tax collectors. Imagine extending invitations to those who might usually spend the holiday alone, like international students or members of your local community. This could completely transform the feel of your dinner, helping it become something generous rather than exclusive.
Lastly, this approach gives you a new perspective. Think about the Lord’s Supper as an example—a time for community in the church. It reminds us of the ultimate feast we’ll have in the future. Fixating on this ideal can help minimize the flaws and awkwardness that might arise around a big family table.
Creating Connections Around the Table
By modeling our Thanksgiving after Biblical events, we can truly honor Christ and foster hospitality.
As the day begins, it’s a chance to think about all the ways God has provided for us. Thanksgiving lends itself perfectly to reading passages about God’s love and care. Perhaps place a framed prayer or scripture card as a centerpiece. Think about inviting those who will be alone during the holiday.
When everyone arrives, shift the focus to Christ by putting gratitude into action. It’s a great opportunity to express appreciation to everyone present. Take moments to openly share what you’re thankful for, directing that gratitude towards specific individuals, but ultimately towards Christ. Let’s make the most of every moment, speaking with humility and thankfulness.
Embrace the Abundance
These Biblical holidays encourage us to recognize and share our blessings. It’s about giving to others as we have been given to. As believers, we look forward to a future celebration with Christ. Until that day comes, we continue enjoying meals together, navigating the challenges of everyday life. This means focusing on God rather than ourselves, appreciating the gifts and the company of others, while looking forward to the day we gather with God Himself.
