The Christmas shopping season has arrived! Gifts must be purchased, because “‘tis the season.” At Christmas time a fever will grasp us: “Shopping ‘til we drop!”
Of course, we shop so we may present gifts to one another on Christmas Day. Gift giving imitates the gifts the Wise Men presented to Jesus; yet it also reminds us of the gift God gives to us in the birth of Jesus. How fitting to give gifts at Christmas! A wonderful spiritual practice!
A poster though says, “Remember: Jesus is the reason for the season.” The poster seeks to direct our attention away from the commercial aspects of Christmas. Indeed, we can fall victim to the idea that Christmas is only about buying something for you and yours. Christmas then becomes misdirected as a consumer activity. The poster serves us well, if it helps us to keep our focus on the reason for the season.
Yet, while I appreciate the poster’s message, “Jesus is the reason for the season.” It’s still the case that Jesus is God’s gift given to us! Gift giving and getting a gift still lies at the center of Christmas. So, enjoy your shopping and gift giving! And, as you do, think about what it means, and what it says.
I have the impression the Wise Men enjoyed the effort of bring their gifts to Jesus. Just as it was for them, we too have to expend an effort in gift giving. It takes planning, some traveling, looking, and sometimes not even knowing where you are and what you’re looking for. But in the end, like them, you find your way and the gift that is just right. Perhaps even a gift not just to you and your own, but for a stranger as well.
Plus, think about this: it required an effort by God as well. God did not have to come. But God did come. Coming as human flesh, to live and speak to us about your radical compassion for lost, ridiculed, and despised people. Such a precious gift. The best gift of all!
May your gifts remind you of that one, true gift -God with us and for us in Jesus. And in doing so, may God’s gift create a new heart in you: a heart that imitates The Gift -himself.
Rev. Curtis Fussell