We toured the Colosseum in Rome on our recent thirty-fifth wedding anniversary trip a year-and-a-half after the actual date. Among the remnants of artwork not lost or removed in that amazing edifice was a bas relief section depicting gladiators in action. There were shadowy figures in the background. These were the referees. 

Mercifully, we only watched the first quarter of the Dallas Cowboys game yesterday before driving home. The most outstanding participants in the game were the officials. They made the game all about themselves. 

Here’s a thought worth thinking: Almost no man, woman, or child wants to see how many penalty flags an officiating crew can throw. Sure, they all have families just like movie crews whose names show up in the credits which are often longer than acts within the film itself. 

Thanksgiving the Holiday is now behind us. Christmas is before us. Here’s another thought worth thinking: Thanksgiving prepares our hearts for all God has done to draw us to himself through Jesus his Son. As November dims and December’s lights brightly shine, let us carry within our hearts all season long the gratitude rekindled in the coming of a day filled with family, football, and food, glorious food. 

Let us give thanks for the long-planned and perfectly executed entry of God into the world he created. 

Let us give thanks for aging men and women who discover God is not finished with them yet and their most significant moments of life lay nearer to the end than the beginning. 

Let us give thanks for a young woman with a pure heart who accepted the responsibility to bear a child without the benefit of formal marriage and neighborly affirmation. 

Let us give thanks for a man who kept his peace and led with character without finding the need to make a speech or lament his lot before the community. 

Let us give thanks for shepherds who understood that good news is for sharing. 

Let us give thanks for wise men who sought out Jesus, who followed a star, who welcomed the most extravagant gift ever given with treasures declaring worship, honor, and devotion.

Let us give thanks as we enter into this season where bright lights and decorated trees and carefully wrapped presents delight little eyes.

Let us give thanks for songs long sung which invite us again to ponder this pageant of heaven touching earth. 

Let us seek God in this season which should make us forever grateful.