I don't know for how long this has
been on my mind, but it has been for at least the last decade or so.
Have we forgotten the meaning of Christmas?
Every year on December 24 & 25, we
celebrate the birth of our lord Jesus Christ. We gather with friends
and family, exchange gifts, and get involved with all of the hoopla
that goes with it, but isn't the truth is that we celebrate this
birth all year long? Seriously. Think about it. Every time that we
gather together for our services, what we are doing is celebrating
the life of Jesus from birth through death, and his resurrection.
What makes it more interesting is how
business has done its best to take this celebration for the reason of
making huge amounts of money. Every year on the day after
Thanksgiving stores hold what is referred to as “Black Friday”
sales. This is a day where after marking the prices to what the
suggested pr manufacturers ice, they put this stuff on sale that they
really should have been in the first place. The store are opening up
on Thanksgiving itself now, the day that we should be with our
friends thanking the Holy Trinity our families and friends and families, but it has now and turned into a day where we show in droves that
for many their God is Money.
What I do find interesting his how
early stores put out their Christmas decorations for us to buy. How
often has it been that you have bought any prior to Thanksgiving? One
of the major chains started their Christmas push during the summer.
They said that they were really pushing the fact that they were
bringing back their “Lay Away” department, but the truth of the
matter is that their aim is for you to have to come back during
Christmas and not only get what you have put away, but to get more
money put of you by having you buy more stuff.
Oh sure I know that those of you who
may read this may not be Christians and will comment about it, but
think about the season and why you go out and spend so much money. In
your religious beliefs, what does going out and buying and getting
things really mean as far as your religious beliefs are?
I'm going to give you a challenge. I
challenge you to give to any Non-Profit organization (like the
Episcopal Relief and Development, The Red Cross, The Village Project
of San Francisco, or any that you support,) the same amount of money
that you spend this time of year for gifts. Now don't be one of those
that says that the Non-Profit that they are going to give it to is
themselves, but give it to one that you know will help the homeless,
abused, needy, etc. If you get money as gifts, then take 50% of it
and give it to a charity.
I hope and pray that you have a joyous
and safe holiday season, and that you are a blessing to others who
could truly use your help.
