Education
The headlines are filled with economic woe. We are surrounded by uncertainty. Many are experiencing layoffs and reductions in income. We are told almost instantaneously whether Black Friday or Cyber Monday was successful or above or below projections. Bad news seems to travel even faster than good news. Any conversation that lasts more than five minutes usually will pass through the waters of these troubled times we are presently experiencing. So I ask you, does the Christmas season feel different to you this year? Does it seem that we are almost hesitant to celebrate in this time of difficulty? Maybe we are disappointed that we cannot purchase the number of gifts that we have previously, or they might not have the pizzazz they once had. I know I felt that way; however, as I thought about it more I was struck by the fact that if I do feel that way I have really bought into the commercialization of Christmas. In spite of my words and my beliefs Christmas has moved to something different than I wanted it to be. What I have been telling my children and my grandchildren for all these years about Christmas is not really matching my actions and clearly not my thoughts. Sadly, I must admit that Christmas has become driven by economics in my life. Sure I still will enjoy the time with family and the food and the fun very much, but when I start to think about Christmas as being good or bad based upon my buying power I really have missed the boat. The practice of giving gifts should be a reflection or a celebration of the fact that God gave us an unbelievable gift in the birth of his son and for us to then offer a gift to others should be viewed as an act of love and a physical demonstration of our care for the person. It’s an appreciation for who they are and what they mean to us everyday, not just on Christmas. With that as a context I think this year might be the perfect year to recapture the expressions of love that are to be at the center of our Christmas season. So this year, think about giving those things that are more about who the person is in the eyes of God than about the list of wishes they have for items they currently do not possess. Think about those gifts that you have received that you really treasure. Those things that were made by someone just for you are the things that you really value: a photo album, CD, even a meal, or an article of clothing (well maybe that is a stretch). But you get the idea. You are then giving of yourself, not of your means. Or how about giving some one the gift of time? This does not need to be a huge event or a five day trip that is planned from daybreak to sunset. It can be just spending time playing a game, reading a book, telling a story, or just listening. Or taking someone to breakfast or lunch as a gesture that you care about them, not that you want something from them. It all sounds a bit corny doesn’t it? But I think we should try it. Not because we cannot afford to do something else but because we can afford it and yet are choosing not to. This year might just provide us with the window of opportunity to put the genuineness of the gift back into the Christmas giving traditions. Showing that you love those to whom you give gifts is really not about the number or size of the gifts, it is about the thoughtfulness and personalization of a gift that will keep on giving. After all, God’s gift to me was what I needed, not what I wanted. Enjoy this time with family and friends and let’s make this Christmas season feel different, not because of what we cannot do but because of what we can do. On behalf of the entire Holland Christian family, have a very blessed Christmas and memorable New Year.