Friday, December 14, 2012
Santa Didn't Mean to Spoil Us
If it weren't for wise
parents, I would have been spoiled rotten - too selfish to enjoy what have been
the most fulfilling things in life. I
wanted privileges and money and things, but my parents made sure I wasn't given
a lot unless my attitude was right or I had earned it. They didn't put up with
whining and manipulation. They modeled
giving, and provided me with opportunities to do the same. We all tend to spoil if left to ourselves. As I have grown older, my Heavenly Father has
been the non-spoiling influence in my life.
He cares for me, but only as I care for others. He challenges me to love, care and "give
until it hurts." The Sunday School song said it like this: "Jesus,
then Others, then You, what a wonderful way to spell joy.
I'm guessing that many
readers can appreciate how important it is for our society that we guard
against greed and selfishness. How
disheartening to hear stories of people being trampled or shot as holiday
shoppers disregard human beings while clamoring for things. The solution to such uncivilized behavior is
not legislation or law enforcement --
the answer is in tamed hearts. The
answer is in how you and your family choose to celebrate Christmas this
year. How are you intentionally being
selfless this Christmas?
Santa has become an icon
of the Christmas season. Many children
love Santa for what they get. Maybe
they've never heard where the idea of Santa came from. According to the St Nicolas Center, "The
true story of Santa Claus begins with Nicholas, who was born during the third
century in the village of Patara. At the
time the area was Greek and is now on the southern coast of Turkey. His wealthy
parents, who raised him to be a devout Christian, died in an epidemic while
Nicholas was still young. Obeying Jesus' words to "sell what you own and
give the money to the poor," Nicholas used his whole inheritance to assist
the needy, the sick, and the suffering. He dedicated his life to serving God
and was made Bishop of Myra while still a young man. Bishop Nicholas became
known throughout the land for his generosity to the those in need, his love for
children, and his concern for sailors and ships."
St. Nicholas obviously didn't
mean to spawn a tradition of greed and jealousy. His intention was to meet
others needs, thereby modeling the kind of life Jesus encouraged us to live. One
way to insure that you and your family do not slip into the trap of materialism
and greed this Christmas is to give your biggest present to Jesus. You can do
that by giving to people in need or to organizations that help people who are
in need. Here are some traditions that selfless families have practiced:
·
Serve at a food pantry
·
Give to the local food bank
·
Give to toys for tots
·
Give to a non-profit organization like a hospital, mission or
church
·
Invite someone over for Christmas dinner or a party
We all tend toward
spoiling. It is the disciplines of life, the influence of other people and
Christ, Himself, that save us from ourselves.
When we curb our appetites and work hard at caring about others
something very wonderful happens -- everyone wins. We intuitively worry that if we give too much
we will be left high and dry, but "... remember the words of the Lord
Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive." (Acts
20:35) Santa (St. Nicholas) didn't mean to spoil us, he meant to inspire a
spirit of generosity and giving.
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