Believe & Give Thanks

Kimi and Ashley at the Macy's Parade.

Psalm 100

Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth. Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Know that the LORD is God. It is he, who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.


I cannot explain the excitement I felt watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade for the first time with one of my closest friends, Ashley. As each enormous balloon passed, I was overwhelmed with the grandeur and sheer magnificence of the designs. How could something so large elegantly glide through the air? Thousands of people gathered in the heart of New York City on this magical holiday to celebrate this uniquely American holiday. What a feeling—giving thanks for this great nation, standing in jubilation for the formation of this country where one can exercise true freedom.


As the parade was winding down, it was interesting to me that the last balloons were three stars which had the word “believe” written on them. Although, these stars followed Santa and his sleigh complete with reindeer, I could not help but think how fitting these words are for Christians. Believe. Used as magical, fantastical words, these words are more than that in the Christian faith. I saw these balloons as symbols—beacons, if you will—and reminders that God is at work in the hearts of men nationwide not just in the holiday season but every day.


Though some see this holiday season as a break from the grind of work and a reason to indulge in cookies and hot chocolate, the tiny word “believe” carries weight in my heart this season. We have a reason to “believe.” Though, cliché now, Jesus is the reason for the season is a factual phrase. May we come together and believe this season in Christ, his work and presence in our lives.

Believe balloons at the end of the parade.