Christmas Gratitude and Second Chances – Inspired by The Muppet Christmas Carol

A Favorite Holiday Movie

Released in 1992, The Muppet Christmas Carol quickly became a favorite for families everywhere. But for me, it holds something extra special. It gave me the words that shaped the heart of this blog.

Besides the endearing Muppet characters, I’ve always loved Michael Caine’s heartfelt portrayal of Scrooge and the way this adaptation brings warmth, humor, and truth to Charles Dickens’ classic tale.

The story of a changed heart and a second chance warms my heart every time I watch it. It echo’s the message of hope we can have through Jesus.

The Song That Inspired My Blog’s Name

In the film, the song A Thankful Heart captures Scrooge’s transformation. The lyrics are full of gratitude, joy, and a new outlook on life.

“With a grateful prayer and a thankful heart…”

That simple line resonates with me. It summed up the way I want to live and the spirit I hope shines through each page of this blog. Gratitude to God. Thankfulness in everyday blessings. And a desire to encourage others with warmth and joy.

A Message of Gratitude and Faith

The story of Ebenezer Scrooge is really the story of grace, of a hardened heart given another chance. It reminds me of the truth we celebrate at Christmas: that through Christ, we are offered forgiveness, hope, and new life.

Just as Scrooge wakes up with a changed heart, we too can live each day with joy and thankfulness, no matter our past. This song is a reminder that life is a gift and that our response can be one of praise, gratitude, and love shared with others.

Carrying Gratitude Into the Season

It is such a happy song. It reminds why I chose Grateful Prayer Thankful Heart as my blog’s name. It is my prayer that this space reflects that same message. One of faith, gratitude, and encouragement.

As we step into this Christmas season, may these words inspire us:

• To pause and reflect on the blessings of today.
• To open our heart to God’s grace and second chances.
• To carry a spirit of gratitude into our family, our traditions, and our celebrations.

With a thankful heart, we can approach both Christmas and everyday life differently, welcoming others, sharing generously, and praising God for His goodness. That is the story behind this blog’s name, and it’s the heart I hope you find each time you visit.

A Thankful Heart

 

With a thankful heart, with an endless joy

With a growing family, every girl and boy

Will be nephew and niece to me (Nephew and niece to me)

Will bring love, hope and peace to me (Love, hope and peace to me)

Yes and every night will end, and every day will start

With a grateful prayer and a thankful heart

 

 

With an open smile and with open doors

I will bid you welcome, what is mine is yours

With a glass raised to toast your health (With a glass raised to toast your health)

And a promise to share the wealth (Promise to share the wealth)

I will sail a friendly course, file a friendly chart

On a sea of love and a thankful heart

 

 

Life is like a journey, who knows when it ends?

Yes, and if you need to know the measure of a man

You simply count his friends.

Stop and look around you, the glory that you see.

Is born again each day, don’t let is slip away.

How precious life can be.

 

With a thankful heart that is wide awake

 

I do make this promise, every breath I take

Will be used now to sing your praise (Used now to sing your praise)

And to beg you to share my days (Beg you to share my days)

With a loving guarantee that even if we part,

I will hold you close in a thankful heart

I will hold you close in a thankful heart.