Scrooge!

I have been known to say I do not LIKE Christmas. (gasp!) I've even been called a scrooge on more than one occasion. This is mainly because I hate how commercialized it has become, and how we feel obligated to buy gifts for people that they don't need or necessarily even want. I know that I, for one, have enough STUFF and really could do without any extra STUFF. Now don't totally misread me, there is definitely joy in giving... (and there is also joy in receiving). Jesus is a prime example of giving. He asks us to give to the poor, those in need, widows and orphans, and even each other.

See John 13:34-45. "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this men will know you are my disciples, if you love one another."

Loving one another often includes giving. It's not always a "giving" of material possessions, but rather the giving of yourself. It can be a gift of time, love, compassion, encouragement, even truth. How is it that we have gotten so far from the meaning of Christmas that we spend $450 billion on mostly useless stuff?

I love this video. It captures just how much we have lost sight of the PURPOSE.