Beloved Brothers and Sisters of CCCFC

Happy Thanksgiving!

Thus far, 2021 has been challenging from the beginning. Still coping with a once-in-a-century global pandemic, Dallas was engulfed in a once-in-a-century freeze storm in February. At CCCFC, 2021 has not been uneventful. We too weathered challenges. We went through personnel changes; while eagerly welcoming people back to in-person gatherings. 

Yet, 2021 is also a year of record-blessings. We ordained a home-grown pastor who first became a Christian at CCCFC. Another, a missionary in waiting to be sent to Japan, is a home-grown youth. And, we installed five elders, two serving at CCCFC and three at our church plant (soon to be independent Prosper Fellowship Church). For all these and more, we give thanks. 

Yes, we grew up being taught the importance of saying thanks. It is to show our gratitude for kindness of gifts or help rendered our ways. And as Christians, we learn to give thanks for blessings we received from God. What will you give thanks for this Thanksgiving?

Interestingly, in the Old Testament, we could not find an exact equivalent verb denoting “to thank” in our modern usage. Yet, “thanksgiving” and “give thanks” are commonly found in the Psalms. How are these different from our understanding of thanksgiving?

We give thanks to express our gratitude. In our culture, saying thanks shows that we are well taught. But in Old Testament Hebrew, thanksgiving carries the meaning of "to acknowledge, to declare, to confess, or to bless." It has to do with praise. Just as the psalmist declares in Psalm 7:17a: “I will give thanks to the LORD according to His righteousness.” In some instances, “thanksgiving” finds its root in “thanksgiving sacrifice.” For example, Psalm 116:17 says, “To You I shall offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and call upon the name of the Lord.” 

Therefore, thanksgiving in the Old Testament is a word denoting worship. Instead of simply saying thanks for blessings received, it is an open declaration of the goodness of the one bestowing the blessings. It is an offering of praise to God. The focus is on God, not the blessings received. True thanksgiving to God finds expression in acts of worship.  

This Thanksgiving, let us draw near to God to render our praise and worship. As we recount His many blessings, we gain a deeper understanding of His attributes. In giving thanks, we are also testifying of His greatness and goodness to those around us. 

Let us offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving to our loving Heavenly Father.

Pastor Ka-Tong Lim,  2021/11/21

Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise.
Give thanks to Him, bless His name.   Psalm 100:4