One of my favorite choruses is "Give thanks with a grateful heart; give thanks to the Holy One; give thanks because he's given Jesus Christ, his son."
More than material blessings, more than the food on our table this Thanksgiving, more than family, even -- the greatest source and object of our gratitude should be God, for giving us his son in order that those who receive him might have their sins forgiven, be called his children and have a place in heaven.
What else matters? We quarrel and debate about politics. Meaningless. Many trust in riches, but the stock market proves that is uncertain and when we die we must leave riches behind for others to spend, not often wisely.
This Thanksgiving, sing the chorus with gusto. The rest of it goes: "And now let the weak say I am strong; let the poor say I am rich, because of what the Lord has done for us; give thanks."
Thanksgiving must have an object. If it isn't God, it is meaningless.
In New York City, where the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade is taking place, I'm Cal Thomas.
Publication date: November 24, 2011
