Today millions of people across our country are gathering to celebrate the annual holiday of Thanksgiving. It has its roots in some of the first European settlers in America, who in spite of great hardship paused to thank God for His goodness to them at the end of the Fall harvest. (Our Canadian neighbors have a similar celebration in early October.)

About a month later most Americans will join with people in many other countries to celebrate Christmas, which commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ over 2,000 years ago. As you will discover (if you haven’t already), our stores will be filled with shoppers looking for gifts, and many homes and businesses will be specially decorated for the holiday season.

Which holiday is more important to Americans? Most people probably would say Christmas, since it occupies more of their time and attention. But in reality both should be of great importance, because both should remind us of God’s goodness to us—first by providing for our daily needs, and then by sending His Son into the world for our salvation. The Bible says, “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever” (Psalm 106:1).

Unfortunately, for many people both Thanksgiving and Christmas are merely secular holidays. But take time today to thank God for His goodness to you, and to commit your life anew to Him. And as Christmas approaches, take time also to remember God’s greatest gift to us—the gift of His Son, Jesus Christ. Make Him the center of your life—not just today, but every day. “Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!” (2 Corinthians 9:15).

Want to have a relationship with Christ? Find out more.