Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. [I Thessalonians 5:16-18]
I have learned, especially from going to conferences abroad, that even though one may find one's self in unfavorable conditions, one should still give thanks and praise to God. Many times at these conferences, I would get into conversation with other pastors and when I hear their state or condition, I would say thank you God for blessing me.
Sometimes you might think that you are in a bad state, however, when you talk to others, you learn that you are blessed. Therefore, whatever your state, say thanks to God.
Recently, I was at a rest home for the aged. I was attending a luncheon for the residents of the home. Many of them have nothing. The few pieces of clothing and some personal effect are their only worldly possessions. Yet, they were happy to give thanks to a gracious God for the little they have.
They did not complain about the aches and the pain. They did not complain that they probably don't get a regular visit from family members, or that their life is controlled by someone else. No! They expressed thanks to God for life and the little health that they enjoy and for the people who take care of them.
Saint Paul says in the above text: "Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances." In the same text, Paul tells us to "hold on to the good. Avoid every kind of evil."
Don't dwell on the negative thing of this world. There is so much good which we can embrace. Yes, things are difficult. Some people might experience financial setbacks this Christmas. There are some who may not make it to the end of the year. Others might not see next Christmas.
But that is not important. What is most important is that we acknowledge God's grace in our lives this very moment, today. Say thanks for that.
As we celebrate the season of Advent, let us be cognizant that it is a joyful time. It is a time of hope and expectation. Therefore, rejoice.
Granted, for some, times are somewhat difficult. Constantly we learn of people in our country who are losing their jobs. Prominent businesses are closing down or downsizing. This is making it difficult for the affected people to take care of their families.
Consequently, when such people hear "give thanks," they find it difficult to do so. In such instances, giving thanks is something very difficult to do. Notwithstanding this, we are called to give thanks to the Lord for his grace and mercy to us.
The people in the rest home, even though they have very little, give thanks. God has been gracious to them. They don't have much but they have life, some health, and people to care for them.
Material things do not measure God's grace to mankind. Those are perishable. The gift of God is much more than the things that we accomplish in this life. When we die, we leave them behind.
The greatest gift of God is eternal life -- which comes through Jesus Christ our Lord. That is more important than the material things that we can acquire and again lose. Eternal life we take with us when we leave this world. In fact, it's our passport.
Advent is the time of the year when we celebrate that gift. Therefore, let us give thanks to a gracious God for his gifts to us. Amen.

o Reverend Samuel M. Boodle, pastor at The Lutheran Church of Nassau, can be reached at P.O. Box N 4794, Nassau, Bahamas or telephone: 426-9084 E-mail: lutheranchurch@coralwave.com, Website: www.Nassaulutheranchurch.org.

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