It seems to get crazier every year. Some stores opened at midnight on “Black Friday,” others at 4 or 5 a.m. Wal Mart in some locations hired off-duty police officers for crowd control. At least this year no one was trampled to death by a mob of people anxious to get their hands on the best bargains like what happened a year ago. Of course, all the weekend after Thanksgiving sales, will be followed up with more enticing ads trying to convince us that blowing a wad of money proves how much we love someone.
Am I the only one who finds this to be a very strange way to celebrate the birth of one born in the most humble of conditions? Jesus taught that “life does not consist of an abundance of positions,” yet many Americans have bought into the idea that the celebration of Christmas gives them permission to buy things they would never consider purchasing the remainder of the year.
Now I’m not suggesting that anyone should adopt the idea that Christmas gifts for others should not be bought as a sign of religious piety. I am suggesting that we need to remember whose birthday we celebrate at Christmas.
For the past couple of years here in New Sharon, and prior to that at the church I served in Sumner, I have encouraged my congregations to participate in what we call our “Christmas Miracle Offering.” The way the “Christmas Miracle Offering” works is simple. For every dollar you spend buying a gift for someone, you give an equal dollar amount to Jesus. In Matthew 25, Jesus teaches that what is done for the least of his brothers and sisters; the poor, the hungry, the oppressed, is done for him. Here in New Sharon we have seen Jesus through the eyes of SWIM (Safe Water International Ministries). SWIM provides safe drinking water and the living water of the gospel of Jesus Christ to the people of Nicaragua and other underdeveloped countries. Mahaska County’s own Greg and Vickie Stout provide the leadership and the hands on work for SWIM with the help of volunteers and one other full-time person in Nicaragua. You can learn more about their ministry at their website, www.swimforhim.net.
Would you consider spending less on yourself and your family this Christmas so that a miracle can happen for someone else? Regardless of what your favorite charity is, you can be assured that they could use your financial assistance. A lot of people talk about keeping Christ in Christmas, by making helping to make miracles happen you can do more than just talk about it.
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