“After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, ‘Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.’” Matthew 2: 1-2, NIV

I noticed a sad trend: people are focusing on the wrong things at Christmas. I write this in light of the news coverage of people dying literally to find a present on sale, how fist fights break out over a $10 toy, and how many will spend more than they can afford to make a guy in a red suit look like a hero come Christmas morning. It really saddens me to see to focus of Christmas being taken off the significance of the birth of our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ and we are being told to only “be good for goodness sake” to honor the holy day.

In light of this, I was inspired to write this:

If people would focus more on the giving than the gift, needs could be met.

If people would seek goodness rather than material gifts, compassion would be the gift.

If people would find the time for true worship of God, peace on earth would be real.

And if people would actually reach out in service, happiness would get a lift.

But if these are to come to pass, a change of heart must come.

People must choose to seek His face.

Unless they seek God’s gift to man,

No change could ever take place.

People will continue to follow the hollow dreams and selfish desires,

And change will never take place.

We will never find true joy we whole-heartedly seek,

And we forfeit His forgiveness and grace.

There is no gift greater than Jesus Christ. And the nice thing is that it is available to everyone who wants it, it is a free gift to all, you do not have to fight lines or other consumers for it, and it brings real peace to all. If people would realize that Christmas is about Christ and not about material possessions, I feel the pressures of the holiday would flee and peace would come to our hearts. I truly believe that if our focus is on why Jesus came and the importance of the love He shared, we would be much happier and at rest.

Friends, let us not get caught up in the chaos of keeping up with the Jones in gift giving; trying to get as much as we can for our loved ones. Today’s economy will only add stress and concern. Focus on giving your loved ones the gift of Christ. Give only a couple of gifts and maybe give to a favorite charity to help others out who have nothing. Give to a ministry that has blessed you at some point. In short, give to restore others. How many “toys” do we need before we realize that real joy comes from making a difference in other’s lives?

Father God,

Come, o come Emanuel, and ransom our hearts from the world around us. May we truly seek Your gift for us in Jesus, and not what can be placed under a tree. Speak to us Your words and let us hear. Capture us and draw us near. We ask this in Jesus’ Name, Amen