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The Reason for the Season

LUKE 12:15 “And he said to them, Take care! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of possessions.”

It is amazing to my wife and I that when we walk into a stores right now, we see Christmas decorations. In light of that, it may seem strange that I'm even addressing Christmas at the end of October. Our mailbox is stuffed full of catalogs and sale flyers. We were shocked to see Christmas Trees on full display in the mall. The true meaning of the Advent is being lost to commercialism and greed.

During this time of year it is imperative that we understand and realize what is truly important and what we should be focused on as believers. It is important to know what God wants us to have, and which he makes possible, and is not primarily made up of material things or money. We also have the responsibility to teach this to our children.

The holiday catalogs have arrived and television commercials are running, showing all the new toys and gadgets available this year. Young children are telling their parents: “I want this!” and “I want that” Our daughter, who is six, wants everything! She does understand why we have decided not to get her everything she wants. God demands that we teach her that the material things one may accumulate as we go through life are not important to him. We want to instill in her the true meaning of the holiday season.

It was refreshing to hear that a nationally recognized performer proclaimed that although her and her husband are blessed financially, they still live in a two-bedroom house with a carport and drive a ten year old car to remind the not to put too much importance on material things. Living a modest and simple life is pleasing to God. There are not as many distractions that take are likely to take away from our daily communion with God.

Not a bad approach, is it? But it is bound to be a good approach anytime we do our best to try and avoid personal greed, which can so quickly and easily consume our hearts and darken our soul. The very best approach for us is to follow God’s word and be good examples for our children and good stewards to our fellow man. If our daughter continues to do well in school, she will certainly earn a few extra things she desires. Nonetheless, we will not give her too many gifts for the holidays, because we all know the true reason for the season. Jesus the Christ was born! Amen.

Adapted By: Elder Michael L. Hargett
Copyright 2006 © MinTech, Inc.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
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