Too Early?
This morning, as I stood in the kitchen talking with my wife as she folded a few towels, I sat down my cup of coffee and asked, “Is it too early to talk about Christmas?”
Of course, just the fact that I brought up planning anything, much less Christmas, caught my wife’s attention. With raised eyebrows and a slight look of amazement she replied, “Sure! Why not? Go ahead!”
Then I said, “I know it’s only January, but I want to start now with an all-out push to change the way we do Christmas.” I explained that even if I have to say something every month until people are sick of hearing about it, it’s something I’m convinced needs to be discussed.
I am done with gift giving as usual. Now is the time to change.
First World Problems
I am sure you know what a “first world problem” is, don’t you? A first world problem is something like not finding your favorite brand of gourmet water at your local Whole Foods store when most of the world struggles to find the clean kind.
Well, maybe what I am about to describe is a problem only first-world folk have. It is highly unlikely that those in poorer countries (or even poorer communities) deal with giving too many gifts to their children. Many care more about how they will put food on the table, not how to afford the latest video game console or diamond ring.
But for those of you who are even now planning so that the trunk of next year’s Christmas tree will be hidden by boxes covered in shiny disposable paper and reusable bows, I say ENOUGH! Just STOP it, already!
The Purpose
If you know the meaning of Christmas has to do with celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, not all things Santa, then you should understand what I’m about to say. On the other hand, if you think that Christmas is nothing more than the “season for giving,” then you’re going to hate me.
The ONLY reason we celebrate Christmas is because Jesus was God’s perfect Gift to mankind. While remembering the day (regardless of the date) that God became a baby and dwelt among us, we offer gifts to each other in memory of the unique Gift wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid in a manger.
Christmas is NOT supposed to be a season of commercial manipulation and debt-producing volume-minded influence peddling.
In reality, a Christmas gift should be nothing less than an homage to the greater Gift. The giving of gifts at Christmas should mimic the original. Even more, what is given should reflect the Gospel, not diminish or dilute it.
Value, not Volume
Again, it may only be a first-world problem, but how often have you been confronted with the issue of buying equally for multiple children or family members? For example, we have three daughters and three granddaughters. My wife gets so stressed over the number of gifts each one receives. She wants her giving to be and appear fair.
But then look at the way the number of gifts becomes more important than the value of each gift. Especially for the little children, all they can see is the number of wrapped gifts, not the value, especially not the heart. Thus, theoretically, one kid could get 5 gifts while another could get 10 gifts. Yet, because of the value of numbers, the one receiving 5 gifts might feel cheated, even if the inherent value of the 5 is equal to or more than the 10!
Do you see? By focusing on volume instead of value, the number of gifts becomes more important than the value of the gift. When the value of the heart is determined by the number of the sacrifices, the value of the individual sacrifice is diminished.
One and Done
Let’s face it, Jesus was the ultimate “one and done” gift. God did not send multiple saviors; He sent his One and Only Son. The angel told the shepherds, “You shall find the babe…,” not multiple babies, one wrapped this way, the other one that.
What are we telling our children and each other when we have to make sure there are several gifts under the tree and at least a few items in each stocking? How does that mirror the Gospel? What does it say about Jesus?
Today I’m starting a movement to change the way we do this. Will you join me?
The Recovering Legalist 