The shopping madness is in full swing. Shopaholics are going nuts trying to snatch the best bargain sales. The seasonal gift givers are trying to beat the holiday shopping rush.
Every year it happens and I’ve always wondered if the citizens of the world really know, or even care, what the Christmas celebration is all about.
For those who have not grasped the significance or may have developed seasonal amnesia, this time of the year is about Jesus… the birth of our Savior who sacrificed Himself to redeem mankind. It’s not about shopping for the marked down bargains or the best merchandise to give to the people in our life. Nor is it about wishing that the coveted present would appear under the tree.
But the commercial entrepreneurs and promoters of gift-giving have made it their business to lure people into thinking that it’s the time to populate the stores, buy to the skies, max out credit cards and wrap presents. The minds of the younger generations are molded by the unholy school of thinking that Christmas is for buying, giving and receiving gifts. The consequence is the encouragement of rabid materialism rather than the focusing on the spiritual significance of the season... the joyous celebration of the birth of Baby Jesus in the manger.
There are folks who find the concept of the obligatory Christmas gifting rather disturbing, specially during these tough economic times, but have to remind themselves that this season, after all, is all about giving rather than receiving. Personally, the more appropriate scenario should be spending more time to reflect on the true meaning of this season rather than indulging in the shopping insanity. People should show up more often in church than in the shopping centers.
After the shopping frenzy has died down and the fuss over the giving and receiving of gifts has lost its charm, hopefully, people would take a moment to pause, ponder and absorb the real meaning of Christmas. Doing so might allow them to feel grateful for their blessings.
To get you in the mood to celebrate this Jesus season, tune in to some really wonderful music that will get you in the genuine holiday spirit. Click on the link below.
