The Gift of Gratitude and the God Who Came Near

Read: 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18, Ephesians 5:18–20, Colossians 3:16–17, Psalm 103:1–5, James 1:17–18, John 1:14, Philippians 2:14–16

Every year right after Thanksgiving, something funny happens to me. The dishes are barely put away, there’s still leftover pie in the fridge, and yet my heart starts shifting toward Christmas. Maybe you feel it too. It’s like gratitude hands the baton to anticipation. During Thanksgiving, I find myself reflecting. I think back on the things God has done, the prayers He’s answered, the ways He’s carried me through the ups and downs. And when I look back long enough, something surprising happens: I start leaning forward.
And that’s really what Advent is all about.

The Bible says, “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16–18). At first, that can feel like a tall order. All circumstances? Even the ones that leave you exhausted or uncertain? But I’ve learned this: gratitude isn’t pretending everything is perfect. Gratitude is remembering Who is with you in all of it. And that’s where Advent comes in.

Christmas tells the story of a God who came close. John writes, “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” (John 1:14) When Jesus showed up in that little town of Bethlehem, He was making a very loud statement: “I will not leave you on your own.”
It’s amazing how much that changes the way we see life. Think about Psalm 103. “Forget not all His benefits.” Forgiveness, healing, redemption, mercy, strength. Those aren’t just spiritual bullet points—they’re reminders that God has already proven Himself faithful. And each one finds its ultimate expression in the One lying in the manger.

Every good thing we’ve received comes from the same generous Father (James 1:17). We aren’t lucky. We are loved. And yet, if I’m honest, it’s still easier to slip into complaining than gratitude sometimes. But every time I picture Jesus in that manger—God Almighty choosing dependence, obscurity, humility—it puts my frustration in perspective. It’s really hard to grumble when you’re kneeling beside a feeding trough where the King of Kings chose to make His entrance.

That’s why gratitude doesn’t just reflect—it prepares. It makes space inside us. It shifts our focus. It opens us up to hope again. Advent invites us to notice God drawing near. Not in perfect moments, but in the ordinary ones. Not in the noise of the world, but in the hush of a waiting heart. So as Christmas approaches, I’m trying to do this: Let gratitude slow me down, let it clear out the clutter of stress and hurry, let it help me recognize Jesus when He comes close. Thanksgiving reminds me what God has already done. Advent helps me expect what God is still going to do. So I’ll stay grateful and I’ll stay ready because the King is coming.