Don't Let Christmas Cripple You: Part Two

      One positive aspect of Christmas is learning the meaning behind Jesus’ words, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). If we are not careful, however, this season will have the opposite effect on us. I love this time of year, but I know we must be careful not to let Christmas cripple our Christianity with materialism.

      Too many people view Christmas as the time of year to get stuff. From childhood we are trained to enter December with full wish lists. Department stores and retailers advertise to get us to ask for gifts from others as much or perhaps more than they advertise to get us to give to others. More than anything they want us to believe we deserve the gifts they sell because we have worked hard all year. If we deserve it so much, we might even buy it for ourselves.

      Then there are those who approach December 25^th thinking, “If I only get ___________, then I will be happy.” Even some Christians labor under the delusion that happiness can be bought at a store or installed in their home or car. It is not true.

      Matthew 6:19-24 highlights why materialism spoils our spirituality. When we focus on our wants and pleasures, we are laying up treasures on earth.

      If our treasure is on earth, our heart will become tied to the earth. We will begin to value the earthly, the material and the temporal. The heavenly, spiritual and eternal will hold no value to us and we will let it slip through our fingers.

      As our heart divides between God and material goods, we will face an all encompassing conflict of conscience. In the end, one master will win. We cannot serve two masters. Regrettably, if we have trained ourselves to value earthly goods too highly, God loses. At that point we lose.

      How can we give and receive this season without letting materialism cripple us?

      First, we must be content with having God. Hebrews 13:5-6 says God will never abandon us. When we recognize the eternal blessings of fellowship with God, worldly goods are not so valuable.

      Second, we must be content with our circumstances now (Philippians 4:11-13). In that way we can be content with whatever our circumstances are following December 25^th.

      Third, as you give to others, do so based on love and service. Do not believe your giving obligates others to give to you. Do not try to outgive others to make them indebted to you. Give with no thought of receiving in turn (Luke 14:12-14). You might even go out of your way to give secretly or to give to those you know cannot return the favor.

      Enjoy the holidays, but do not let Christmas cripple your Christianity.

Edwin L. Crozier