The Friday after Thanksgiving has traditionally become known as “Black Friday.” Some stores open at Midnight to accommodate those shoppers that cannot wait to get going on the “holiday” shopping. Some start looking online for the “leaked” ads that will tell them where to go to look for the deals. People wait in lines for the doors to open so they can run in and get the “early bird” deals that will make their journey a success. At the Safford house, we have been looking for a new TV. Other than a small extra room TV, we have never purchased a family TV. The sound is going out and there are a few things that are starting to go on the current set, so it is time to shop. We have been doing all we can to make sure we get the best deal around. We have been online, looking at the advertisements, checking Craig list, and any other options that may be out there. We have been looking at Consumer Reports to see which TV has the best ratings. This Black Friday we will be out there with track shoes on to see what we can find. Black Friday–the day we shop till we drop. It has almost become more important than the day it follows, Thanksgiving.

As I reflected on the scurry of the weekend. I was reminded of another “Black Friday.” This day was another day for a purchase. It was the most important purchase of all. This “Black Friday” was a day for which we should truly be thankful. On that day over 2000 years ago, Jesus Christ went “shopping” for the Salvation of our souls. On that day, however, there were no specials, or advertisements, and no one was waiting in line. There was only one way this purchase could be made and it had to be in person. The precious blood of Jesus was the payment for my sin and it bought me eternal life when I accept it. I Corinthians 6:19-20 tell us this, “Don’t you see that you can’t live however you please, squandering what God paid such a high price for? God now owns all of you, the whole works. So let people see God in and through your body.” (The Message.) We have so much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving.

So as you celebrate this weekend, don’t forget that God has his own “Black Friday” purchase, and it is very special. You are that purchase, and it does have a return date. I look forward to that day that Jesus will come again and take me to my forever home.

Happy Thanksgiving, and be safe shopping!