We’d like to think that just because we (Bible-believers) celebrate the birth of Christ during this season, that we avoid the stress of the holiday, but it’s just not true. We like to ridicule “the world” for their shopping frenzies, obsession with gifts, and stressful (if not downright weird) family dynamics at the holiday dinner table. But while we’re pointing fingers, we’ve got plenty of leftover fingers pointing right back at ourselves. Even though we like to proclaim our godliness throughout this often-times-greedy time of year, how many traps do we ourselves fall into?
“Look at those folks stumbling over one another for that one good deal. How absurd! Now…where is the shopping list from Uncle Herman? You know we have to get him exactly what he wants or else he’ll complain.”
“Look at all those retailers taking advantage of the holiday season! They’re offering all these obnoxious sales, just to gain more money from people who can’t even afford their rent. Oh, hey, here’s a good deal – I should buy six of those for all the cousins.”
“That retailer only cares about making a buck! They’re taking advantage of ‘Christmas’. It’s despicable! Let’s go shop over at this other store that’s owned by someone who’s having an affair with his secretary instead – at least the store encourages its employees to say ‘Merry Christmas.’”
“Those folks get so stressed out about their family dinners! Look at all that unnecessary food! They could be giving food to starving kids in Africa. Now…do I need to bring rolls or a pie to Grandma’s? Both? Okay.”
The Christmas season can be wrought with perils, whether at the grocery store or family dinners. And we all partake in the stress in one way or the other, whether we deny it or not. We’re not immune to the stress of Christmas lists, family dinners and shopping. We may not appreciate the busy retail stores, but we shop anyway. We may roll our eyes at someone else’s family dynamics, but ours are no different. We may even go as far to boycott particular retailers or traditions, when in the end, our own choices are really no better.
“We” face stress along with the rest of the world. It can’t be avoided – it’s a given. But we don’t have to focus on it. Instead of pointing fingers, we can know that we’re no better, and simply improve ourselves. Yes, we will get stressed out at some point. Yes, we will roll our eyes at certain gimmicks, and we may even shed tears over things that a year from now we find silly. But none of those things should override the celebration.
There is reason to celebrate this holiday season. I celebrate Christ, and I celebrate the holiday itself. But if all I do is blame the rest of their world for their shortcomings, how does that make me look? What kind of an example am I then? I can’t sit around and think of all the things I could complain about. Instead, I need to be thankful for the opportunities I have, spread the love, and enjoy the things that make me smile. That’s what will set me apart. That’s what will make me different. And that’s what will bring me the most peace – not pointing fingers.
To conclude my 3-part message:
Accept “Happy Holidays” as a cheerful greeting. Celebrate what’s worth celebrating. And focus on what’s really important.
Let’s shine hope and love, not arrogance, this season and always.
Did you miss the other segments? Read Part 1 and Part 2.
I love hearing from you! What does your holiday season look like?
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