(Each Saturday, a faith leader in Franklin County offers a personal perspective in this space. To become part of this series, email religion@recorder.com)
It was always fun to watch. A gift would be presented to one of our children. It could be for a birthday, for Christmas or just “this one time” because the grandparents couldn’t resist the temptation in the toy store. I can still picture the eager eyes, the quick hands, primed and ready to rip the paper off and see what was inside. But usually the action would be preceded by a brief pause and a “thank you” addressed to the giver of the gift, because the giver is more important than the gift.
We tried to instill this idea in our children because it’s not natural for most of us to act this way. Both children and adults can easily fall victim to a case of the “gimmies.” And if there is ever a time during the year when this is most obvious, it is Christmas.
In 2017, the retail industry generated more than 3 trillion dollars during the holiday season, around 20 percent of their annual sales. More than 500,000 employees were hired for the holiday rush. And there is no reason to think that 2018 is going to be any different. Statistical experts tell us that we will spend an average of $794 per person on Christmas gifts this year and expect an average of 15.9 gifts in return!
Of course, there is nothing wrong with receiving gifts. It is exciting to be the recipient of someone’s kindness and thoughtfulness. And it doesn’t have to be big or expensive, either. Knowing someone has thought of you and wanted to surprise you brings far more delight than knowing they maxed out on their credit card. The giver really is the gift.
Gift giving this season stimulates our economy, but unfortunately it also triggers greediness and unthankful hearts. Temper tantrums early Christmas morning because the high expectations were not met. Parents feeling guilty because they couldn’t afford what their child wanted. Some strive to keep up with the latest ideas on perfect holiday celebrations. Others seek to post the most fabulous pictures on social media, hoping for that one shot that will garner electronic compliments and attention. In the rush and buzz of the season, we can even be tempted to push away thoughts about families that don’t have the money to feed their children while school is out for the holidays, let alone buy gifts.
What a contrast with that first Christmas, when Jesus Christ entered this world in all simplicity and humility. Born without fanfare, away from the public eye and in an obscure town. A seemingly ordinary baby that needed a place to lie down and something to keep him warm after birth. The Son of God entered our messy, messed-up world so that he could restore the broken relationship between God and man. Jesus came to deliver us from our greediness, our unthankful hearts and scores of other bad choices and failures that stick to us like Velcro.
The notion that the giver is the real gift we should treasure can reorder our priorities and influence our own giving. That would probably be a good thing. But don’t stop there. Apply that same logic to the greatest gift ever given, Jesus Christ.
Through Jesus, God gave us the opportunity to be reconciled with him by faith. The angel announcing the birth of Jesus summarized his mission. Jesus “would save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). When we put our hope and trust in him for the forgiveness of our sins, more than changed spending patterns will result. God will fill our hearts with the gift of true joy and deep satisfaction that comes from knowing him.
North Leverett Baptist Church can be found at 70 Leverett Road in Leverett. We’re an independent church that believes that God exists, that Jesus Christ is real and that God’s Word, the Bible, is true. Come and visit us! The Sunday morning service is from 10 to 11:15 a.m., children’s church is available from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. We have Sunday school for all ages. Our church also offers a Wednesday evening program, Food pantry, Youth Group, Mom’s Group and more. For more information, visit our website: www.nlbcma.org.