Dec. 2013 Issue Materialistic Christmas

It isn’t the children’s fault; sometimes, it’s not even the parents’, but our society has materialized Christmas so much that the story of Jesus’ birth often takes a backseat to Santa for children.  Although the following anecdote happened to a family who very much puts Jesus first, the idea of getting great gifts was still important to their young daughter.  This is what the mom posted on Facebook:

“Tonight we’ve been talking about Christmas lists with Adison. She first told us that maybe Santa could bring them an iPad. Immediately Dustin and I both exclaimed, ‘Nope! Too much money!’” She then pointed out that since Santa made toys, we wouldn’t have to buy them. Hmmm….new tactic.

‘Well, Ad there are so many kids in the world, sometimes parents have to give Santa donations to help out with supplies so the elves can build the toys.’ (Score one for Mommy) Ad just looked at me like I was stupid.

‘Then I guess you should get some of that ribbon down that we haven’t used. Then I can leave it with the carrots for the reindeer. I can put an arrow and a note that says, ‘This ribbon is for any doll’s hair in case any little girls wanted a doll with a hair bow.’ There’s Santa some supplies and he can get us an iPad. Or a Nabi. Those are cool too.’ All Dustin and I could do is look at each other opened-mouthed. “

May we try to keep gift-giving (which I like too), in perspective to the greatest gift we have ever received – Jesus Christ.  We can do that for our children and grands with stories and songs.

Even the songs get a little scued at times.  Other friends told of how their children confused some Christmas carols and songs:

Poor Aadan. He’s getting the Christmas songs confused. He was singing, “The little Lord Jesus … Had a very shiny nose.” – a mix of Away in a Manger and Rudolph!

Another friend shared:” So we’re watching the Bible miniseries and at the birth of Jesus part. Rafe said, ‘It’s the star, like in We three kings of glory and dark.’”

Keep teaching them parents.  Even though they get a bit confused at times, sooner or later they will understand the true message.

 Matthew 2:1 -6

 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,

² Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.

³ When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.

⁴ And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.

⁵ And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet,

⁶ And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.