And then of course, we celebrate a gathering of the saints on earth, a time of thanksgiving for the blessings of our nation, our world, our homes and lives. Thanksgiving Day is that time when families gather, neighbors gather communities gather, dressed in precious apparel, feasting on traditional favorites, watching parades, ushering in the season of joy that closes the calendar year. Frequently at such gatherings, we know those who are there. Uncle, Aunt, Cousin, Grandparent, Sister, Brother, Mother, Father. And on occasion, we notice the changes in their faces and in their lives. We see the clothes they are wearing and listen to the stories they are telling, stories that give us a sense of history and common purpose.

One day, as the days of November reminds us, Christ the King will come again and there will be a great gathering of all the nations on the earth, every one that ever walked the face of the earth will be present, speaking languages and expressing cultures by way of dress and jewelry, we will all be there. It will be quite a sight to see. And yet, unlike now, we will not be listening to the stories, nor comparing styles nor values of jewelry, no we won't be looking at each other for we all will be focused on Him, the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords, the Good Shepherd, the Resurrection of the Life.

And He will speak to our hearts. I am thankful for your partnership in the Gospel. I am grateful and thankful for the way you lived your lives of thanksgiving, looking at the needs of the people around you and doing your best to meet those needs, by loving them as I loved you.