Christmas too Commercial , Humbug!

You know you heard this over and over to point of you get tired of hearing it , Christmas has become too commercial , we need to get back to the real meaning of Christmas. Now granted there is truth in this statement . If spending,parties and such is all one considers the holidays is about ,it is shallow . As a believer , Christ should take center stage . The awesome ,astounding fact that God came to earth , should stagger ones life. It should be the cornerstone of any celebration of Christmas.

So what are we to make of the commercial side of Christmas?  Is it something that ruins Christmas , and rob it of its meaning for a believer? Should we instead not buy , not spend , instead do works of charity or donate to foodbanks etc...

Here is thing , if you let gift giving some how steal Christ out of Christmas , then you have the problem. Think of the fun and joy it is watching  your child or grandchild light up with joy upon unwrapping that special toy . The fun it is to purchase something for your wife or husband , knowing full well they will truly love it . How does buying something for a good friend rob Christ of His place in your celebrations. In fact giving reflects the gift given at Christmas in Jesus (John 3:16). Therefore in my mind , why not give good gifts .

So buy well . There is nothing wrong with the buying and the giving of things. Make a choose to buy well . Purchase items that make sense to  give to the person you are giving to. If someone doesn't drink coffee , don't buy a gift card for coffee! For children buy gifts that are fun and some learning gifts as well. Also during the season give to charities and foodbanks . Use the Samaritan Purse gift box ministry ,embrace a charity that honors Jesus Christ  like Compassion. Set an example of a cheerful giver. Give out of a heart that is thankful to God for His grace that shines at Christmas and all year.

Plus just think right now if everyone embraced the notion of no more gift giving .Instead they , like Scooge , held on to in his hand like a vice on steel . Businesses would close , masses of people would be laid off and the economy, which depends on the exchange of money for products , would be greatly effected. We live in a free market , consumer based society , which I don't think the Bible condemns . In fact many have argued that capitalism has its roots anchored in the Bible.

A Christian should  give out of a heart that is overflowing with gratitude at Christmas . In fact I would argue , not just at this time of year but giving and generosity should be a mark of a true follower of Christ in everyday life , all year round. Paul records in Acts 20:35 ..... the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
(Acts 20:35 ESV)

So I say Humbug to those who say  that giving gifts robs Jesus of His proper place in Christmas for believers . For the heathen , he or she does not know Christ anyway so why should we be offended at their lack of Christ at Christmas. However in showing a different attitude , even towards giving , we can show the beauty of Christ and open doors to witness.