Presents Aren’t the Only Answer
And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. (Romans 5:5)
It is so easy during the holidays to get carried away, spend too much, and go into debt. There are many reasons why we go overboard with purchases. However, the rest of our year is often frustrating and disappointing, so, by goodness, we will do whatever is necessary to make the perfect Christmas for our loved ones and ourselves. I might be disappointed the rest of the year, but I can be a hero on Christmas morning. The sad part of this thinking is it is too focused on us and not on who receives the gifts.
There is nothing wrong with being a little generous for the holidays, but not if it endangers the family's financial security. Further, we must reflect on our motivation for giving. We Christians tend to celebrate giving as a moral good, but that is only true to a point. When giving to others cripples our ability to remain financially solvent, giving becomes detrimental.
Today, prayerfully consider your motivations for giving. Don’t let guilt or any other negative motivator manipulate you into sacrificing your financial well-being for short-term affirmations. Once the presents are unwrapped and everyone returns to routine, all the old challenges will resurface, only now, with more overwhelming debt. My best Christmases were when we had the least under the tree.
My last Christmas with my grandfather was fantastic, and it wasn’t because of the presents. Christmas Eve, 1986, was the day after I proposed to Jill, and I cannot remember a single gift except that Jill said “yes.” Years later, when Jill and I opened our Christmas present from our daughter, it was an ultrasound picture telling us we would be grandparents. Not one of these was a blessing because it was expensive, except for Gordie, but only later (haha). Focus on relationships this Christmas; not only will your Christmas go well, but the rest of the year might improve as well. The Holy Spirit has a way of bringing transformation, especially at Christmas.