It is amazing how fast we go from enjoying the fellowship of family, lots of food, and celebrating thanksgiving to beginning a mad dash of "things-getting." Commercialism and coveting are proudly paraded in front of us in advertisements, almost commanding us to buy their product. The marketers tell us we need bigger, better, and more than we had last year. But do we? When life is all over and done and we die, we won't be taking any "things" with us.
Too many people treasure things and use people. We should treasure people and use things.
Do we really need to build bigger barns to put all our things in? Or can we make do with less and help someone else?
I really wonder what our children would think of us if we chose to just give the gift of love and time, rather than go in debt to buy Christmas presents?
It would seem that the season that is supposed to be about giving has really become all about getting.
Let's slow down long enough to evaluate life against eternity. Find a family this year that doesn't have much. Maybe there is a single parent in your church that struggles to keep bills paid. Instead of buying numerous gifts for your own children, why not give to help someone less fortunate?
May you and yours be blessed this year. Remember the words of Jesus, "It is more blessed to give than it is to receive."
