Thanks and dedication

In today’s first reading (1 Samuel 1:24-28) we see Hannah, Samuel’s mother, bring offerings of thanksgiving to the temple and dedicate to the Lord the most precious gift of her life.

We could not ask for a better example as we draw near to the celebration of Christmas and to the end of the calendar year.

Even unbelievers in these days celebrate Thanksgiving and also give gifts of appreciation to people in their lives.

As believers, as those who know fully what God has done for us in Christ, how much more should we – as we prepare to celebrate Christ’s birth – be thankful and share that thankfulness with others!

Even unbelievers in these days contemplate resolutions for the New Year about to start.

As believers, as those who know fully the presence of God among us, how much more should we be resolved and dedicated to deeper love and greater service of God and his people in the New Year ahead.

With the Lord’s grace, we can make this celebration of Christmas the most special of our lives.

With his help, we can truly dedicate our lives – from this New Year forward – to love and service in the name of Jesus.

Let us come before the Lord with thanks. Let us come before him with absolute dedication.

Christmas is coming.

Cry out with joy to the Lord...
Serve the Lord with gladness.