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This holiday season I've been astounded at how much commercialism there is
around every corner. In fact, a recent survey shows the average consumer
budget for gifts, entertainment, decorations and travel this holiday season
is expected to jump by 16 percent over last year. How close are you to
average? Check out these statistics from an American Express survey of more
than 800 consumers.
They found that shoppers plan to spend $1,088 on gifts, 18 percent more than
they spent last year. Entertaining spending is forecast to rise 17 percent
from 1998 to $188. Travel spending is expected to rise 7 percent to $151.
Decoration costs are expected to climb 26 percent to $77. The survey showed
that shoppers will also spend another $54 on miscellaneous holiday expenses.
American Express says 43 percent of those surveyed said they usually spend
more than they planned to, so actual spending this holiday season could be
even higher than the survey suggests.
Now contrast all of that to the popular saying we often hear, "Jesus is the
reason for the Season."
Yes, I realize that Jesus probably wasn't born on December 25th, and we do
not know the exact date of His birth. Christmas Day is not any more
important or holy than any other day of the year. But I am sure that He was
born and that He did come into this world through the virgin birth, just as
the Scripture teaches. I am also cognizant of the fact that the world is
more open to the message of the Christ child at this time of the year.
Christmas is still one of the few remaining public affirmations of faith in
Jesus.
People all around us are thinking about Jesus as they sing about the virgin
birth and proclaim "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good
will toward all men."
Although there are many abuses that sometimes surround Christmas time, why
not take the opportunities that are in front of you to share the rest of the
story? Why not share the whole story of the Good News with your friends,
neighbors, and work associates about His Life, death, burial and
resurrection?
See you in Bible Class!
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