The commercializing of Christmas has long been in effect. Retailers raise almost 1/4 of their total revenue for the year during the Christmas Season. It is at this time of 'giving' that people spend money on what they ordinarily would not. The statistics of last year was that more and more people are willing to break the bank at Christmastime.
What is behind the craze? Why do so many feel compelled to buy stuff? Is the spirit of giving that has its origins in the Magi giving Christ gifts the reason? I wish that were the case and I am sure some Christians do carry a sincere desire to bless others as the Lord Jesus has blessed them. But commercialism, not the True meaning of Christmas is the real driving force behind the spending spree during this season. Corporations have invested a great deal of money in making sure that consumers spend their time and funds at their stores.
One can see stores like Costco, Target, Walmart, Verizon, Apple and many others beckoning people to come in and spend their cash. The sale's and bargains beseech believers and unbelievers alike to enter the doors and come out with a great deal. The truth is that we are being cheated. Rather than be content with Christ and making this time of year about His Birth, people become obessed with self. Everyone wants to get something good for Christmas and enjoy it. While in of itself gift giving is not sinful, the fact that the entire holiday has become about presents rather than God's presence is disturbing.
I recognize I am in the minority, but I think it might be time to start a new tradition. We have become so brainwashed by the coperations that we have lost the real reason and purpose for why we celebrate Christmas; that is Christ Jesus! Instead of meditating of the gravity and glory of God coming to dwell with us, we spend grueling hours in stores and groveling for love selecting the best presents. It is vicious cycle and one that will not likely be broken. For so many years I bought the lie and waited with anticipation for gifts, when I should have been focused on the greatest gift of all; Emmanuel, God with us!
Some will argue that I am being to radical. That Christmas is a time of giving, so do not attack such a Christian virtue. If the spirit behind shopping during the holiday's was merely to bless, then I would have nothing to say. But the commercialism has taken hold of Christmas and creating Commercialismas! As Christians we have the capacity to be content. Christ Jesus is enough! You do not need presents to make this holiday happy!
I understand Kirk Cameron has done a film about what I am speaking about. I have not seen the film, nor know to what extent does he address this problem. What I can say is what St. Paul said to St. Timothy,
"Now godliness with great contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing we shall be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. But you O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, and gentleness." (1 Timothy 5: 6-9,12).
That in nutshell is what kind of spirit we ought to have as Christians. Our flesh does not like the idea of being content, no we would rather feed the consumer nature. But we are called to be content in Christ! A time has come when you either practice the Bible or not. It is not longer acceptable to just be a fair weather friend, it is time to be follower! My words may seem austere and to be asking the impossible, but I ask you did not Jesus ask the same? All I am asking is what Jesus asked, that we follow Him and do what He said! I know it will be hard, change always is and we want to hold onto those comforts. We want Christmas to be the same as when we were children. We want the Christmas lights, Santa Claus, and the collection of presents to be there. But at what cost? Beyond are wallet, the dent is deeper, it reaches our souls. The more we bow to Mammon and the musings of the Malls; the more time we waste not following Jesus Christ.
The time is short. Those words are seeming to become cliché, but they are truer today than ever. You can continue on this road of consumerism and keep the commercial companies fat and happy. Or you can start storing your riches in heaven where they will never "erode or be stolen by thieves." (Matthew 6:20). Above all else, Jesus Christ is who we should be seeking this Christmas. Make Jesus the reason for your joy and jubilation!
Comments
Post a Comment