Bible Question:
Does Christmas Giving Make Sense? *** Really, does it make sense to save all year to buy gifts that others may not need or want? And does it make sense to try to impress others with expensive gifts? "One particularly noxious aspect of Christmas consumption is 'conspicuous giving,'" claims Henry. "Luxury gifts," he says, "are designed precisely for those who are least in need of any present at all ('the person who has everything'). Most such high-priced gifts are given at Christmas; the fourth quarter, according to a sampling of New York department stores, provides more than half the year's diamond, watch, and fur sales." Moreover, Christmas magnifies human inequities, causing tremendous pressures and unhappiness. Some do not have enough money to buy gifts, and in the United States, this apparently leads to more robberies during the Christmas season than at any other time of the year. |
Bible Answer: Dearest Tess with anything good, there will be perversions and/or counterfeits. This is a time when Jesus - the reason for the season - is celebrated consciously or subconsciously. Because our Father is gracious in His giving; His word admonishes us to be willing and cheerful givers. I know Christmas has been commercialized and it is easy to be entangled with the cares of this world; but to God be the glory, we know giving encompasses so much more than money could buy: when we make cards or gifts, bake goods, serve in various capacities (when it's done in love to share the love of the Lord there will be life inspiring blessings). Like you have said "... magnifies human inequities," that reminds us to pray without ceasing. Our Father is counting on us to be examples and lights in this dark and sinful world - and since this is the time the church at large have chosen to celebrate Jesus's birth; let's have a great time and share the good news of His coming. And with the words from Phil 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are (paraphrasing)just, lovely, pure, things of virtue and praise, think on these things. |
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Questions and/or Subjects for Philippians | Author | ||
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FisH | ||
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Ballin4JC | ||
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hermanus | ||
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mommyolen | ||
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figbee | ||
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nuge | ||
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nuge | ||
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Isaac Jesus | ||
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dabmci | ||
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Tess | ||
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fellowlaborer |