Christmas: I have to be honest. I know some Christians who “celebrate”
it; some who do not celebrate it at all (VERY difficult to be in this world & yet not “OF” this world ~
particularly this time of the year when the whole world jumps on the bandwagon!)
and while this essay is not necessarily about extremes one way or another:
the pagan roots of it, or how traditions have become pleasant & memorable
over the years ~ “a family time”, or about the letters s-a-t-a-n being the same as s-a-n-t-a….. no, none of
that!
And just FTR, I
will tell you that we “semi” celebrate Christmas. My husband loves the music; I like the
old movies. We do not put up a tree
any more, but we do exchange
gifts.
But what I want
to talk about today is when I see people ~ my age, or even older ~ who “go all
out” giving presents to everyone they can think of and then some, and receiving
same. Oh, and it’s not just
presents under the tree either – it’s stockings that are just stuffed FULL of….
Well, of “things”.
Hey, don’t
misunderstand; I’m not a scrooge. I’m fine with giving & receiving gifts. But the part that intriques
me is wondering just how MUCH JUNK (YES!! “junk” ~ that’s what it all turns
into!!) can a person take on
in life?? By the time we
reach half a century or older, do we really need a ton MORE STUFF?? I’m not talking about practical every
day use type of items; I’m talking about most things that are not practical or
useful at all. Furthermore, I’m
also not speaking of a precious item of jewelry (or whatever gift) your spouse
or child may’ve decided to gift you with; but I am speaking about that
same person feeling OBLIGATED to get another precious jewelry item ~ or
what have you ~ [just the “perfect, RIGHT gift”] year after year after year just
because it's the "gift-giving season". I could be wrong, but does that not lessen the previous “precious”
gifts? Maybe not. Nothing wrong
with ongoing gifts, a reflection of our love & devotion ~ just as long as we
do not become SO attached to any particular “thing” that it in itself becomes a
statement of our very lives, defining who we
are.
1 John 2:16 says: “For all that is in the
world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not
of the Father but is of the
world.”
Anyway, a stocking
full of “stuff”: you know what
“things” do to us? They weigh us
down. It’s more to take care of,
clean, mentally inventory, etc. Are
we free, unburdened from “things” to help others? Or, are we then too busy, to have
to spend time to take care of these “things”? Do these things control us, or do
we control them?
I get
really edgy & irritable when I’m in the presence of too many “things” and
too much clutter! (probably a good
thing, otherwise would I ever clean?) And I’m certainly not trying to
come off as a goodie-two-shoes in any sense of the imagination, but my secret is
[no secret really; anyone can do it] ~ when I bring in something new, be it
a video or clothing item, I toss out at least one old something-or-other. I do not throw it away if it’s still
useable, but I donate it to Goodwill or Salvation Army. This way, I avoid becoming overwhelmed
with “too much stuff”.
And BTW, I see nothing wrong with “fun” gifts, too (not nec. ONLY
the practical, as long as we meet our NEEDS FIRST, and then throw in a FEW extra
goodies — not the other way around!), so I’m not a
prune-faced legalist saying, “no, none of that, or that or that!”….. My point is
though that I’m sure the world in general could take it much, much
easier in HEAPING UP lots of treasures that distract & divert our
attention from the Lord Himself. Am
I making any sense here?
Stuff/things can serve
us well for a temporary season – but that’s all: only temporary. Let’s make sure it serves US, and not
the other way around! Also,
may we be good stewards of what’s given to us that we may also use it to bless
others as we’re led. Amen! “...For
to everyone whom much is given, from him much will be required...” ~ Luke
12:48
...the best
part is: For watching, waiting, ready Christians who are expecting
Christ's soon return, we really don't have need of many "things" for much
longer any how!! :)
Reva
P.S.>>
perhaps you heard about the couple who wanted to get away from it all ~ and so they bought an RV so they could load it up &
take it all with them! LOL
1 Timothy 6:7
For we
brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing
out.