December Days

Today is December 1st and we are confronted with the reality that Christmas is right around the corner. For many, it's a reminder that money must be budgeted (or credit cards charged), and we must figure out who to buy for this year.

In many ways, we feel obligated to spend money, on people we love, even those we don't really care about. As the calendar moves warp speed towards the 25th, we begin to feel the pressure, not only who to buy for, but what to buy.

Many will purchase HDTV's, video games, tablets, cell phones, smart watches, Minecraft, Star Wars, you name it, just because they are popular and seem to be what others covet. For those whose time is limited, the solution to obligation is none other than the Gift Card.

In the midst of this obligation filled month, it is easy to forget about what really matters to Jesus, namely loving God by investing in people. Often we purchase gifts based on the intimacy of our pending relationships. The people we love get the good stuff, those out of obligation the cards with a presidential bill that reflects our relationship. In many ways, we have bought into the idea that the degree of our love is indicative of the price we pay this Christmas.

However, there is one problem with this line of thinking. This is not how Jesus rolled. He did not demonstrate love by spending more on those closest to him; he demonstrated it by personal investment regardless of familial ties. By all accounts, Jesus was poor in material things, yet rich in thought and deeds. He gave himself, not gifts, by encouraging others, even those many tend not to like. He gave people from all walks of life, dignity, hope, forgiveness, and grace. He gave people that needed a touch his hand, healing his care, and those that needed forgiveness, a new start in life.

Ultimately, this December, we will all still buy gifts to those we love. However, let us also think of ways we can touch those who really need to be encouraged by giving a little bit of ourselves, not just our ability to purchase possessions. Let us focus on how we can give to those who are down in their luck, discouraged, depressed, even lonely. Let us take a step back from the auto-pilot routine of buying gifts out of obligation and carefully think of those who need a blessing. Let us remember that life is hard, however for some, it is even harder. The unique thing about Jesus was that he gave people just what they needed, which did not revolve around possessions.

In the end, let us reflect on what it means to love God and love people. We live in a culture where people have more than they need. We live in a time where this years material gifts will be next years items heading to the wastebasket of consumption. Let us focus not so much of what we can buy others, but what we can give of ourselves to encourage others.