Don't Forget Whose Birthday It Is

Wow! Have you seen all the people out shopping? Even the old, worn out malls are full of shoppers. Of course, everyone is looking for a great deal and, from what I have heard, they are getting them. Conventional wisdom is saying that the prices will just get better all the way to Christmas. That is, if anything is left over!

So, people are buying gifts for each other. No, it won't substantially improve our economy other than its psychological affect. We have to build houses and start businesses to significantly affect the economy. Christmas will help small businesses stay in business. This is positive but it will not necessarily cause them to hire more people. These small businesses have been treading water all year. They have to have this season just to stay in business. So, go shop, you are helping someone keep his/her job.

Christmas Day will arrive and gifts will be opened. Just about everyone will receive something. But imagine with me for a moment going to a birthday party rather than a Christmas party. At the party each of the guests gives each other gifts but no one gives a gift to the person who actually has the birthday. You really can't imagine that can you?

Yet, this Christmas, which celebrates the birth of Christ, many homes will do exactly that. They will give gifts to each other without a single gift given to the One whose birthday they are celebrating.

And it they aren't really celebrating His birth, what do they have to celebrate? Is it just a reason to buy someone something? How long will that joy last?

And what should you get? Well, I wouldn't get Jesus something that He can't use. He doesn't need a toaster or a sweater. You have to ask yourself what would make Jesus happy. Maybe your church is in a building phase and you could buy some bricks. Maybe there is a missionary you could help support. Maybe you will fund an evangelism program at the church. Maybe you know will give to your church's food pantry or clothes closet.

I don't know; just do give something that would make Jesus happy.

But don't forget Him. After all, it is His birthday we're celebrating!

Luke 2:10-12 (ESV)
¹⁰ And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. ¹¹ For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. ¹² And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.”