Thanksgiving isn’t just a holiday. It’s a posture.
It’s the position of a heart that remembers who the Provider is.
We worship because we’re grateful. Because we’ve seen His hand move. Because He’s carried us through what we thought would crush us. But if we come to church with no gratitude—if our hearts forget—then worship becomes nothing more than a checklist. A duty. A performance to get through instead of a moment to give back.
Thanksgiving is remembering—and giving glory to the One who gave. But humanity has fallen into forgetfulness. We remember what hurts us and forget what heals us. We remember the offense, but we forget the grace.
And to me, as much as love and forgiveness are vital, gratitude might just be the soil they grow from. Because when you stop being thankful, your love grows cold, and your forgiveness turns into pride.
People say, “When you become a parent, you’ll understand.” Maybe they’re right. As I grow older, I’m beginning to see the sacrifices my parents made—the prayers they prayed in silence, the things they gave up without ever telling me. And now, gratitude is shaping how I see them. It’s turning memory into empathy, discipline into love, and appreciation into worship.
That’s what Thanksgiving does.
It opens your eyes to the grace that’s been there all along.
“When you open your hearts to thankfulness and praise, you will see more clearly the love and mercy of God. Then your daily duties will no longer seem burdensome, but a delight.”
— Messages to Young People, p. 115
“We are in danger of forgetting God when He multiplies His gifts to us. The more He gives, the more we should acknowledge His mercy and show gratitude to the Giver.”
— Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 301
Father God in heaven,
Today, we come before You with hearts overflowing with thanksgiving.
Thank You for the gift of life—even when the road is rough and the path uncertain. Through every trial, You have proven Yourself faithful.
Thank You for the countless blessings that surround us—the million little mercies You pour out every second.
We thank You for this sacred moment of Church Dedication, a reminder that all we have belongs to You. As we step into our new evangelistic series, “New Beginnings,” may Your Spirit fill this place, and may every heart be renewed by the power of the Gospel.
We give thanks for every hand and heart that serves in Willowdale. Knit us together in unity and love, that we may shine as one body for Your glory.
And above all, Lord, thank You for Your unfailing love, Your grace that covers us, and Your mercy that restores us. It’s only by that grace that I stand here today—not worthy, but willing; not perfect, but redeemed—as Your servant.
In Jesus’ name I pray,
Amen.