Are you worried about 2012? December of that year will see the end of a cycle in the ancient Mayan calendar's "Long Count," and some speculate that the date will be met with widespread catastrophe and perhaps even the end of the world. Scripture says a lot about the end times, most importantly that the end—or culmination—of all things will be God's doing and will be for good. God will bring an end to death and suffering. Though we cannot know the "day or hour" (Mark 13:32), we can participate in Christ's work of bringing creation to its ultimate fulfillment by working to end pain and hopelessness today. Key Scriptures: Mark 13:24-35; Luke 21:25-28; 1 Corinthians 15:20-26; 2 Peter 3:8-15a. Thanksgiving is coming soon. While most Thanksgiving celebrations today revolve around food, family, and football, the holiday was established to give Americans an occasion to show gratitude for their blessings. For people who are cutting back to make ends meet during difficult economic times, taking time to show gratitude may be the last thing on their minds. But whether times are tough or easy, God's people need to pause and be thankful for God's abundant blessings.
