Read: Luke 14:1-14

When you give a feast, invite the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind. -Luke 14:13

In the United States, Thanksgiving is traditionally a day of feasting with family. But
changing circumstances may lead us to rethink our holiday traditions.

It happened to Sharon Randall during a year in which her mother died, her father-in-law
had to be moved to a rest home, and her husband was undergoing treatment for cancer. As
the Thanksgiving holiday drew near, the Randall family decided it was time for a new
approach. So instead of preparing a feast just for themselves, they invited people outside
their family circle to join them. The next year they expanded the guest list even more.

"If your family has changed and you need a new tradition," says Sharon,
"look around. You’re not alone. Invite someone to join you for Thanksgiving. Or
volunteer to help serve at a church or shelter or community dinner."

Those are challenging words for every follower of Jesus Christ. Perhaps it’s time
to start a new tradition for your next holiday feast by inviting people outside your usual
circle, or by serving those in need. In Luke 14:12-14, Jesus said that when we include
those who can’t repay us, we are blessed in a special way. Sharing the feast is
Thanksgiving indeed!

• David C. McCasland

Just a "cup of cold water" was given in His name,

But the soul of the giver was never the same!

For he found that when giving was done with a zest,

Both the heart of the giver and the taker were blest. -Anon,

LIFE TAKES ON A NEW MEANING WHEN WE GIVE OURSELVES TO OTHERS.

OUR DAILY BREAD, Copyright 1999 by Radio Bible Class, Grand Rapids,Michigan. Used by
permission.

• Geo –

Edwardsburg, MI