Two Holidays

It seems that every passing year brings with it a little more irony to the Holiday Season. Our level of thanksgiving is determined by how much we are able to consume at 1 AM on Black Friday and the “Spirit of Giving” is eclipsed by the spirit of competition. 

I mean, how many kids will get “exactly what they wanted” this Christmas, only to continue experience the pain of loneliness as the excitement wears off and they find themselves in a house full of toys but no parents? How many parents will end up in court this January for either assault and battery or bankruptcy because they mistakenly thought happiness could be bought, and half price must translate to twice the merchandise.

I’m sure I’m not the first person to have a story of grown adults physically fighting over the last item in the sale bin while melodies of “peace on earth and goodwill towards men” waft down from the speakers above and I certainly won’t be the last.

But what is it about celebrating the birth of Jesus that makes so many people act like the Devil?

In truth, there are two holiday seasons happening right now. One celebrates the birth of the Savior; the other celebrates all the things He came to save us from. In Matthew chapter 6, Jesus teaches “No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” A few minutes later he tells his listeners to reject the frenzy and exhaustion that comes along with trying to provide for oneself and instead “make the Kingdom of God your primary concern.”

So which Holiday Season are you celebrating this year? A Thanksgiving dedicated to gluttony, a Christmas dedicated to greed, and a New Year’s dedicated to working off the consequences of the first two? Or will you show thankfulness through giving back, will you celebrate the birth of Salvation by giving others grace, and rejoice over the realization that heaven is one year closer on January 1?

Worrying about stuff this Holiday Season won’t add a single moment to your life. Worrying about the Kingdom of Heaven could add an eternity.

Jesus, help me never to confuse what I see around me right now with the sacrifice you made to open heaven's doors to me. Guide my eyes beyond a hollowness of possessions and fix them on the grandeur of Heaven. Amen.