Earlier this month, Lauren came home from school with a large blank construction paper feather to decorate and add to her class turkey. She was tasked to creatively illustrate the feather with what our family was thankful for.

Before we began coloring and gluing sequins (sparkle matters!), Lauren and I sat down to brainstorm what should be included on her turkey feather. I asked her, “What are we most thankful for as a family?”

Without hesitation, Lauren shouted out, “JESUS!”

As this 25 days of gratitude comes to a close, I am incredibly thankful God sent Jesus.

For a child will be born for us, a son will be given to us, and the government will be on His shoulders. He will be named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. The dominion will be vast, and its prosperity will never end. He will reign on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish and sustain it with justice and righteousness from now on and forever. The zeal of the Lord of Hosts will accomplish this.

– Isaiah 9:6-7

Jesus was born for me and you. He was given to us, as the most precious gift. Jesus is the reason for my heart of thankfulness this month. Truly, He is the Wonderful Counselor. He guides me and speaks truth into my life. I know that I can trust Him, because He loves me and He made me. Jesus is the Mighty God—He is mighty to save! Jesus is the healer, sustainer and life-giver. He defeated death and the grave! He is the Eternal Father. He is gracious, and provides for my needs. He holds me close and stands up to defend me, His precious daughter. Jesus is the Prince of Peace. He came to bring peace by making a way for each of us to be right with God. He willingly took my place and bore my punishment on the cross so I could be free.

As Jesus talked to Nicodemus near the beginning of His ministry on Earth, Jesus explained why He came:

For God loved the world in this way: He gave His One and Only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world that He might condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through Him.

– John 3:16-17

Jesus came so I could have eternal life. God loved me that much. He didn’t come to condemn me—He came to save me.

John also writes in his first letter these amazing words: “God’s love was revealed among us in this way: God sent His One and Only Son into the world so that we might live through Him. Love consists in this: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” (1 John 4:9-10)

I live because He loves.

This is why I can get up every morning to face the day: God loves me and sent me Jesus. November doesn’t contain enough days to praise God for His great love!

What am I most thankful for as we celebrate Thanksgiving today?

JESUS!