For everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven.

-Ecclesiastes 3:1

Tis the season. Now that Halloween has come and gone, stores, and commercials and even people are full-steam ahead for Christmas. I'm a big fan of Christmas myself. I love seeing family and attending parties and giving gifts. And, in addition to my stack of Christmas movies, I have a special weakness for any and every Christmas episode of any tv show ever made. So please don't think me a humbug when you read my next few sentences, and stick with me.

It's not Christmas yet. And I'm absolutely not ready for it in stores or Christmas music all over the radio. Whether you're secular or religious, I think there's a deeply important time between Halloween and Christmas and it's more important than ever. Thanksgiving. All things deserve a season. And this one is so incredibly necessary and holy. If you're a secular person, there's something vital about spending a full season, a few weeks, taking stock of all you have and how much, before the rush of the consumerism of "the holidays." And if you're a believer, it's even more vital to observe and give thanks for your many blessings before you enter a season of receiving presents and guests and invitations and ancient stories.

My prayer for us is that before we hang up the garlands and start wearing out our favorite Nat King Cole or Straight No Chaser album that we'll spend a real season of reflection and thanksgiving. Then we will be ready for a spiritually mature season of Advent and Christmas.

Lord, help me to see all my blessings and to give thanks. Thank you for all I have and all you give us each day. Help me to be grateful and be ready for the next season. Amen.