This issue of American Lifestyle celebrates the season of Thanksgiving. Inside, learn about Toys for Tots’ mission of generosity, find recipes to sweeten your celebrations, get inspiration for designing a comforting home, and uncover the story behind an enduring bakery and its fruitcakes.

‘All praise (thanksgiving) to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by His great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead.’ – 1 Peter 1:3 NLT

At Thanksgiving, we pause to remember God’s goodness — yet for followers of Christ, gratitude is more than a seasonal habit. It is the echo of grace and the seedbed of hope.

Hope in Christ fuels gratitude because it reminds us that God’s promises are sure and His faithfulness unshakable. Even when circumstances challenge us, thanksgiving keeps our eyes on the evidence of His past provision and His pledge of future grace. As John Piper writes, “Gratitude was created by God to echo grace.” Every thankful word is an echo of His mercy –  and every echo strengthens our hope. 

Our prayer for each of you this Thanksgiving is that your hearts overflow with gratitude as you remember God’s many blessings and rest in hope for His continued faithfulness. May your heart be strengthened by hearing His gentle voice of love in your ear this season. 

Many families share a simple Thanksgiving tradition: before the meal, each person names one thing they are thankful for. It’s a beautiful practice — not just for remembering blessings, but for seeing how hope has carried us through the year. When we recall God’s faithfulness aloud, our hearts are lifted to trust Him again for what lies ahead. This year, consider these two additions to your practice of gratitude - share one way you’ve seen God’s faithfulness this year, and one place where you are trusting Him in hope for what’s still to come.

This Thanksgiving, may your gratitude deepen your hope, and your hope enrich your gratitude.

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