One of the harsh realities that many consumers choose to ignore during the Christmas season, is the truism that the gift that we may have worked overtime to afford, sat in department stores for hours to purchase and spent even more time wrapping delicately, will inevitably fade. Regardless of how shiny, how new, how sleek, or how stylish it may be, the madness of this market driven mayhem is centered around the principle of that which is different and new will eventually become same and old from the time that we take it home. It is the continual search and desire for the next “new thing” that feeds the machine of materialism in our country year after year.
As members of the Christian faith community, this time of year ought to hold a very different meaning; one that is in stark contrast to how the world and contemporary culture may view it. This is not only the time for gifts, food, and time with family, but also a set time to commemorate, celebrate, and appreciate the greatest gift that God has given to us all: the gift of salvation through the birth of His son, Jesus Christ. In the remembrance of Jesus’ birth, we not only find hope and redemption, but also a pristine reminder of that same hope as the years may pass. Despite what may happen, what may change, who may come and go, the example of God’s love for us through the gift of Jesus is not only a good gift but one that after 2012 years, has not faded, diminished, or lost its value. And to confuse that eternal value with empty valuables misrepresents the true significance of the holiday to others as well as ourselves.
As we all may seek to find the perfect gift for those whom we care for and about, we must also be careful to give God the same courtesy and offer up to Him the gift of our worship and praise as it is truly all that He wants and has ever wanted from us. Even as we fill our time spending, we ought to purpose in one another to be found spending time with God. Giving Him the gift that He has been asking all of us for since the beginning of time; our worship in spirit and in truth.
Wouldn’t it be great to know that the gift you received or gave this Christmas wouldn’t get old, break down, require additional maintenance, need certain batteries or an upgrade? The Bible tells us in James 1:17 that “every good and perfect gift comes from above”, and we all have been blessed to be given the gift of Jesus Christ, that not only has a lifetime warranty (John 3:16) but also requires no assembly. And despite the significance, beauty, and depth of that gift, we live in a time where the majority of us will put forth more effort trying to get into chain stores than church services. We, as a people, have to recalibrate our focus on the true meaning behind this time of year. We must choose re-center ourselves on the reason for the season and not buy into the corporate suggestion that the season is a reason to spend money.
So this year, spend time with family & loved ones. Share gifts and sentiments with all you encounter. Participate in the family traditions that have been around for as long as you remember. But, as you do so, also make time acknowledge the gift of Jesus this Christmas. Choose to celebrate the gift God has given to us all through His son. Take time to thank Him for the perfect gift. Merry Christmas!