Monday 18 December 2006

Christmas shopping

Have you purchased all of your Christmas presents? We're getting close to Christmas, and well, we're running out of time. By now you've noticed that I'm including myself in the mob that still has shopping to do.

First, you make a list for whom you need to buy presents. Then you begin to write down what you want to get them. At some point, you need to reconcile how much money you have to spend, and then sort out how you'll buy what you want with the money you have.

One year we gave presents of things we cherished because we didn't have much money. If you asked our family, they might just remember that year as being very special. When in doubt, give yourself. It's what God wants.

Romans 12:1 (MSG)
"So here's what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him."

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Christmas isnt how I remember it being. The increasing list of hi tech presents with high tech price tags lead to 2am wake up times fretting over how to bridge the gap between what a child wants and what a child needs. Disappointment seems inevitable. The endless array of Kris Kringle events (just a $5 gift.. so what rubbish do you buy for $5? Mum I cant take that, the kids will laugh..child dissolves in tears.. yes yes buy anything ) So many party dates to remember. Susie needs party food Tues, Meg needs it Thurs after 1.30.. Jamie needs something for Wed and it has to be packed to go on the excursion to the park. So where is the popcorn I bought? The sweets? The fruit? arghhh eaten as snacks yesterday.. yes sure I can dash to the store at 6am before wrapping countless kringle presents and flying to work where I really should work late as its so busy this time of year. School holidays are coming.. but not before we cough up next years school fees and book money.. Have we got enough money to cover child care for 6 weeks? I'm all out of holiday leave. Could we leave the kids home alone this year?
STOP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Couldnt we have one Holy Day?
Christmas
Couldnt we have one meal shared with those we love?
Christmas dinner
Couldnt we have one gift?
Christ
Something has stolen Christmas.. and it wasnt the Grinch.

Jim Knaggs said...

And may your Christmas be blessed.