In his Notes from the Underground, Dostoevsky wrote of humanity, “If he is not stupid, he is monstrously ungrateful … in fact, I believe that the best definition of man is the ungrateful biped.” This harsh definition underscores our capacity to forget our dependence on God and one another, and of the importance of gratitude. NT Wright puts it this way:
There is an old spiritual discipline of listing one’s blessings, naming them before God, and giving thanks. It’s a healthy thing to do, especially in a world where we too often assume we have an absolute right to health, happiness and every possible creature comfort.
Gratitude, as Wright points out, is an antidote to spiritual entitlement which can lead to anxiety, bitterness, and indifference towards God. So wherever you might find yourself this coming Thursday, take some time to put this discipline into practice by reading Psalm 100 and specifically thanking God for his goodness to you.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Psalm 100
1 Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.
2 Worship the Lord with gladness;
come before him with joyful songs.
3 Know that the Lord is God.
It is he who made us, and we are his;
we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name.
5 For the Lord is good and his love endures forever;
his faithfulness continues through all generations.
Celebrate the Birthday of Christ
Celebrate this holiday season with West Side Kids with worship, crafts, games, birthday cake, and more for the whole family.
RSVP is required. Please register online to attend or volunteer.
Upcoming Events
- Nov 21 | Serve at Thanksgiving ESL Conversation Partner Event
- Nov 24 | Prepare and Serve meals on Thanksgiving day to our neighbors experiencing homelessness or hardship
- Nov 29 | #GivingTuesday
- Dec 2 | Opening Reception for DESOLATION | CONSOLATION by Jennifer Ahn
Get Involved
- Interested in a Mandarin-speaking group?
- Serve food at the Frederick Douglass Houses
- Nominate Leaders
- Find ways to Serve and Give this Thanksgiving
- Host international students for Thanksgiving
- Pray, serve and give towards His Toy Store
- Celebrate Advent with Redeemer West Side
- Listen to our Podcast
- The Migrant Crisis in NYC and How You Can Help
