GRATITUDE FOR THOSE WHO SACRIFICED ALL
Every year, Wreaths Across America places Christmas wreaths on the headstones of veterans in cemeteries around the nation. There is even an annual running program, the Escort to Arlington challenge, associated with the wreath-laying. Trucks in Maine load wreaths in December and then make the 737-mile trek down to Arlington National Cemetery. Runners can “escort” those trucks by amassing 737 miles of running by the time the trucks reach Washington, D.C. This year’s event has special significance to Emily Kraines, whose husband was an Air Force pararescue jumper who died in a training accident in 2019. Emily had always been a runner, but when her husband died, she stopped. She discovered that this year’s Escort to Arlington challenge culminates on what would’ve been Peter’s 36th birthday, December 18, so she committed to amassing all those miles. “This year, I will get to visit his grave with an accomplishment of finishing another race,” she said. “I know he would be so proud.”
GRATITUDE FOR THE ONE WHO SACRIFICED ALL
Our passage today captures the scene in heaven when the reign of the Lord Jesus is celebrated. Having overcome on earth, purchasing people from all tribes and tongues for God, now His forever reign is celebrated again. It is a scene of tremendous gratitude and worship.
Questions
- As you are filled with thankfulness in this season, how can you show gratitude?
- What’s the most extravagant expression of gratitude you’ve ever witnessed or received?
- In what key ways was Jesus treated differently on earth from how He is treated in heaven?
