CHRISTMESS!

No I didn't misspell the title. The “Christmas” season is a perfect example of perhaps what is a mess in the church.

We all know that Jesus was not born on December 25^th, which isn’t the issue (Praise God He came!). Rather, the issue is we attempt to celebrate His birth by buying gifts for people who do not really need it and give Jesus what little still remains. This can consist of low praise, lack luster commitment, partial obedience and maybe 10% of our earnings. Isnʼt it interesting that everyone has their own birthday but still feel the need to receive something on Jesus’ “birthday” too? Does Jesus get gifts on your birthday? Just asking... I know Iʼm going to be persecuted for touching the sacred “Christmas cow.” And no—this is not my attempt to get out of buying my seven children gifts (even though thatʼs not a bad idea). Iʼm not saying there is something wrong with giving and receiving, but how dare we let the religious system and corporate America tell us when to shop and what to buy? I have heard about people being trampled to death on a Black Friday and scenes that looked more like rice distribution in Democratic Republic of Congo, the poorest country in Africa. In 2009 $410,000,000 were spent on Christmas trees in the United States (I have one too), and over $1,100,000,000 in gift wrap! WOW! Additionally, $5,000,000,000 was spent on gifts for pets. Do you realize how many worldwide problems of injustice the church could solve with just a small portion of the resources we use for gifts at this time of year? It would take approximately $10 billion dollars to provide clean water to the entire world. What a great gift the Church could give the world for Christmas. For the last few years this has been the conversation in our household. If you are going to use December 25th as the date you choose to celebrate the birth of Jesus, then do it. But I’d encourage you to think about how you celebrate. Sing worship songs, instead of just songs about snow and Grandma getting hit by a reindeer. Do something for someone that Jesus would have done as a way to honor Him, turning your worship into works that display His love. Remember to continually celebrate Him past the established walls built by man. Invite someone who lives alone to eat with you. Pass along the gifts that you don’t need to someone who needs them more. Spend more time with your children, which is a gift whose memories last forever. One of the greatest gifts you can give is of yourself. You are blessed to be a blessing! Everyday Jesus is worthy to be praised and celebrated! Well I’ve got to go. I have eight days left to comply or be exiled.