November 2026
The end-of-year holidays are nearly here again, as is the tradition to slow down and reflect on the gifts the Lord has granted us over the last year and throughout our lives. For this month’s ministry theme, we were pleased to have been able to speak with Rev. Kris Whitby, Assistant to the President for Mission and Ministry, and Lois Stewart, Mission Facilitator for Schools. They shared some thoughts with us about Gratitude and Thankfulness.
When Pastor Whitby was asked how the Reformation’s emphasis on grace shapes Christian thanksgiving, he shared, “… The truth that God declares sinners to be righteous in His eyes by the grace He has freely given us solely on account of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, without any merit or worthiness we had earned for ourselves, becomes the very foundation of the Christian’s life of thanksgiving.”
Did you catch that? “… The very foundation of the Christian’s life of thanksgiving.” He further explained that the gift of grace in Christ shapes our thanksgiving as we live daily in the reality of God’s gracious gift of eternal salvation. He said, “… [It] gives us a sure and joyful cause to talk to our Lord each day, to thank Him for this gift, as it does not diminish or fade with the chances and change of life.”
The certainty of our salvation because of that grace then shapes how our thanksgiving is turned outward, both in praise to our Lord, that others might hear a faithful witness about Him in us, but also through deeds of love, mercy, and grace toward our neighbor.
When asked what the difference is between being thankful for circumstances and giving thanks because of what the Lord has done, Pastor Whitby explained, “I do believe it is a blessing to learn to be thankful to our Lord in the midst of changing, and even trying, circumstances. Our Lord, out of His Fatherly divine goodness and mercy does provide… not only life, but all the temporal things pertaining to life—from the mundane things of clothing and food to the greater gifts of my own body and soul amazing blessings like family, community, and protection from danger.
“We all know that in a fallen world, our temporal circumstances and corresponding blessings can change and at
times seem uncertain. That’s where our Lord gives us great comfort by returning us to His Word. He uses the Apostle Paul to connect both our temporal circumstances to their blessed Source in his letter to the Philippians. Paul writes, ‘I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.’ (Philippians 4:12-13)”
Pastor Whitby encourages us that when times of plenty come, thank the Lord and ask Him to also give us a generous heart with the blessings He bestows to the benefit of our neighbor, knowing those blessings come from the God of our redemption. When we face times of uncertainty and suffering, we are still give thanks to God for the blessings He has provided related to our daily bread!
He ended by saying, “… also thank Him that we might suffer in a way that glorifies our Redeemer, Jesus. Being like Him in our sufferings and still gratefully confessing that He will work all things together for our good (Rom 8:28) and that the certainty of our salvation in Jesus is not taken from us even in times of want for nothing separates us from the love of God in Christ Jesus (Rom 8:38-39). The source of our strength, our very lives, is Christ Himself! He choses to work through temporal blessings at times, but our life that will not end is dependent solely on Him, so in all circumstances we have that joy and truth. Thanks be to God!”
Echoing Pastor Whitby’s sentiment, Lois shared that she has learned that everything she has is a gift from God: “I am entrusted to care for and use these gifts to the glory of God. I am to use these gifts to bless others.”
If you don’t know Lois, she is out and about throughout the entire LCMS Northern Illinois District, visiting schools and families, meeting with administrators and teachers and DCEs and other parish professionals. She’s a “boots on the ground” encourager to many in ministry and also to those they serve.
Her weekly travel throughout the District allows her to see first hand how God works through other people. “So many of the people in our District understand and cherish the opportunity to serve within their congregation and the greater community. The lay leaders are a focal point and important part of serving. They share and take care of their professional church workers. The people in our congregations are a blessing as they step up to share Jesus, care deeply, and support others.”
Lois was asked how gratitude affects her approach to serving. She shared, “Because God had blessed me and given me the talents I have, my thankfulness flows to serve others so they know how very much they are appreciated. I think the gift of being present in ministries brings me gratitude for the blessing to serve.”
May we all reflect in this season (and always) upon the gifts of grace and salvation given to us through Christ’s death and resurrection. May we serve those around us—family, friends, other congregation members, and out into the community—with humility and love, as an outpouring of the gifts the Lord has given each of us.
