Our world is consumed by consumerism. Our daily tasks are wrapped around what we must purchase next in order to keep pace with this ever speedy world. Whether it be food, petroleum, or the latest shoes [which were on sale of course], we are sold everything.
In 2009, the US Census bureau reported that $27.4 billion was spent during the holiday season alone [www.census.gov/retail]. That’s an alarming amount of money spent on “gifts” which are often given to “loved ones.” This concept of “gifts to loved ones” distorts our view of a lot of things. While there’s a sense of selflessness in the act itself, it remains selfish based on who you choose to give the gift to. When it’s family and close friends, we often use the act to propel us forward in the social sector, proving we’re capable of kindness, but only on a limited platform. As this concept works it’s way into our philosophy of life, our dilemma is mirrored: a limited, unspoken manifesto of selfishness and apathy. Gifts to the ones I want love from in return. Kindness to those who kindness is expected. A perfectly safe display of love.
From the Christian perspective, giving is, and always should be a selfless act. Christmas, then, is about giving back and expecting nothing in return. Taking the time to bake grandma’s secret recipe of cookies for the lonely elderly person I’ve never had the opportunity to meet, not for selfish gain, but selfless giving.
Though some will feel that Christians often get the idea selfless giving wrong by giving into the consumeristic market of Christmas, there is a retreating back to selfless giving. Many companies such as Living Water International [http://www.water.cc] or To Write Love on Her Arms [http://www.twloha.com] are running campaigns which provide opportunity for selfless giving during a season of gifts. Even local projects such as Salvation Army Christmas Kettles or Bread of Life Cornerstone are giving back unconditionally to our local community in Port Alberni.
If you find curiosity in this challenge, maybe consider setting $20 aside for someone you don’t know this holiday season. Show kindness by purchasing the gasoline of the person beside you at the gas station. But most importantly, make this holiday season about someone else. You might be surprised by the conversation that follows. May the joy of giving during the holiday season fill your homes!
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