Friday Frenzy

     By now it’s old news–but the frenzy on Black Friday to kick off ‘Christmas’ shopping never ceases to amaze me.  And this year didn’t disappoint.

     We slipped in and out of a few stores last Friday to pick up some items we needed.  Every store was crowded.  In some places shoppers had lined up during the night or early morning to be the first in line for special pricing.

     Even grocery stores were jammed with people. It was like someone flipped a switch and, all of a sudden, everyone HAD to go shopping!

     Black Friday is the official start to the holiday shopping season.  It is so named because, for many retailers, it moves them from being ‘in the red’ to being ‘in the black.’  It makes the year.

     For shoppers, it’s a chance for big savings on Christmas presents.  With the ‘door-buster’ sales, some can purchase nicer gifts than they otherwise could have afforded.

     But you know what’s surprising? We live in a secular culture where even non-Christians go all out to celebrate what is essentially a religious holiday–Christmas.  Why is that?

     “Now hold on just a minute,” you say. “What’s wrong with everyone celebrating Christmas?”

     Nothing, I guess.  But it makes about as much sense as Americans going all out to celebrate the Queen of England’s birthday.  If we’re not her subjects, why bother?

     And if you’re not a Christ follower, if you’re not a member of God’s forever family through faith in Jesus Christ–why would you even want to celebrate Jesus’ birthday?  Seriously!

     Of course the answer is that, for many, Christmas is no longer about Jesus Christ.  It’s all about the presents.  Even in many families who call themselves ‘Christians.”

     You want proof?  Then think about this:  If you plan a party to celebrate someone’s birthday, your main concern is not whether the guests will like the party favors.  Your main concern is whether or not the guest of honor is pleased.  But how many holiday revelers are concerned whether or not Jesus Christ is happy with the celebration?  Very few, if any.

     No, our main concern is seen in our stress over whether someone will like the present we got him or her.  Or whether we can return a gift without the giver being offended.  It’s all about us.

     Jesus didn’t come so you could get an amazing deal on the latest electronic gadget.  He came to be the Savior of the world.  Just as the angel told Mary, “You are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”

     He became the Savior of the world by dying for our sin on the cross and rising from the dead. Christmas, you see, really points to Good Friday and Easter. 

     Christmas is a God event.  It’s about God the Son entering our world as a man in order to change the course of human history.  Not politically or economically but spiritually.

     It’s approximately four weeks until Christmas Day.  I encourage you to get a Bible and read the Christmas story as recorded at the beginning of the Gospels of Matthew and Luke.  Read the Gospel of John for a good picture of Jesus’ life and ministry.  It won’t take long.

     Then for Christmas Sunday find a Bible believing, Bible teaching church.  Take your family and start a tradition of focusing on Jesus Christ as you celebrate his birthday.

     It’s about time Christians stood up and said, “Wait a minute!  This is OUR holy day and it’s about JESUS.  Can I tell you about Him?”  Some folks just might be interested.

     Enjoy the season and decorations. But why not skip the frenzy over gifts and focus on Christ?

     Listen to the Bible; it’s great for your soul!