Gary Neal Hansen

Theology. It's good for you.

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You are here: Home / Archives for Thanksgiving

A Children’s Sermon on Matthew 6:24-34 — Consider the Birds

June 28, 2023 by Gary Neal Hansen 12 Comments

children's sermon on Matthew 6:24-34

If I write just one children’s sermon on Matthew 6:24-34 it has to be able cover a few different occasions. In Year A of the Revised Common Lectionary that text is called “Proper 3 (8)” meaning it comes up, in two different seasons. It can be on the Eighth Sunday after Epiphany, or shortly after […]

Filed Under: Bible, Ministry Tagged With: Children's Sermons, Proper 3(8), RCL Year A, Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving for the Big Picture

November 23, 2017 by Gary Neal Hansen 8 Comments

Giving Thanks for the Big Picture

This is just a quick note on Thanksgiving Day. That’s American Thanksgiving in my family, since we have celebrated Canadian Thanksgiving last month. (Same menu, same gratitude, no Pilgrims.) I am, of course, grateful to you. I’m glad you read what I write here on my blog and elsewhere. What is a writer without readers? […]

Filed Under: Bible, Ministry Tagged With: Psalm 136, Thanksgiving

Letters to a Young Pastor: Giving Thanks

November 25, 2015 by Gary Neal Hansen Leave a Comment

Giving Thanks

Dear ______: I’m sending this a bit early since I know you are heading out for the Thanksgiving break. I wanted to be sure it reaches you, especially since I know you are having a hard time just now. Holiday gatherings can amplify those feelings (imagine how ambivalent the poor turkey is), but I hope there is also […]

Filed Under: Bible, Ministry Tagged With: Give thanks, Gratitude, Letters to a Young Pastor, Psalm 136, Thanksgiving

From Gratitude to Obedience: Can We Get There from Here?

November 24, 2014 by Gary Neal Hansen Leave a Comment

You’ve probably heard the joke about the fellow who asked for directions only to be told “Sorry. You can’t get there from here.” In the Reformed tradition we think gratitude leads us to obey God’s expressed will. But as a comment in last week’s post on the life of gratitude asked “…it seems like a stretch to […]

Filed Under: Bible, Theology Tagged With: Gratitude, Ten Commandments, Thankfulness, Thanksgiving, Westminister Larger Catechism

What Does The Life of Gratitude Look Like? (Heidelberg Catechism, Q93)

November 21, 2014 by Gary Neal Hansen Leave a Comment

Thanksgiving is coming next week! I love having a day that almost requires me to say “Thank you!” to God and to people around me. I want my whole life to focus on giving thanks. What does a thankful life look like? If you have been here before you know that I often post about […]

Filed Under: Bible, Heidelberg Catechism, Theology Tagged With: Decalogue, Gratitude, Ten Commandments, Thankfulness, Thanksgiving, Two Tables, Two Tablets

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Theology. It’s good for you.

I'm a Church historian by trade. My writing, speaking, and teaching explores the Christian past to equip today's disciples. Join me here for regular posts on the best of theology, spirituality, community, and ministry. read more…

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