A Simple Christmas

It seems like every year the Christmas rush begins a little sooner. I am writing this post before Thanksgiving and already stores have Christmas trees up advertising the latest gizmos for Christmas.

A couple of weeks ago, the Playstation 3 video game console hit the stores in limited numbers. Since there were not even close to enough console’s to meet the demand, many would-be purchasers camped in front of Walmarts and BestBuys for 36 hours prior to purchase one of the coveted consoles. While in line, the media reported stories of fights, assaults, shootings, stabbings and near riot conditions.

So this nightmare of a scenario, based in consumerism and greed, is one model that currently characterizes the Christmas season. What does Christ say about this? What does Friends' testimony say about this? In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus warns his disciples against admiring things that are glittery and exciting at the moment, he said: “Be careful or your hearts will be weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness and the anxieties of life” (21:34). Be careful – that is good advice! Our brothers and sisters in more liturgical traditions (Catholic, Episcopalian, Lutheran, etc.) set aside the time leading up to Christmas as a time to prepare hearts for the future advent of Christ, and the immediate presence of Christ every day. Unfortunately, much in our culture during the Christmas season is distracting and inhibits our spiritual preparation for the advent of Christ. In many cases, what we set aside for purposes of faith and repentance and healing have been accosted by greed and consumerism and materialism. In light of this, Jesus’ warning is even more potent – “be careful!”

This Christmas season I hope we will resist the urges and pressures of materialism and learn from our Quaker testimony of simplicity. I hope these suggestions will help us form a counter-culture that will testify to the true meaning and value of Christmas:

1. Resist urges to go to the mall just to see what is on sale, or to window shop – only go into a store when you have the intention of purchasing an item. Spend the time you save from browsing stores in prayer and meditation.
2. For those without means, Christmas time is a time when poverty is felt most acutely. Often, the holiday festivities serves to multiply the felt gap between the 'have’s' and the 'have not’s.' What does it mean for Christians to stand in solidarity with the poor? This is a big question, but I think part of the answer is a realization that all of humanity is essentially in the same condition before God. So, acts of kindness, service and dignity-affirmation are reflections of the same actions God has sprinkled in all of our lives. We will be able to act on this conviction throughout the Holiday Season, but on December 10^th, Olympic View Friends Church will go to the Tacoma Rescue Mission’s Hope Home and celebrate birthdays and sing Christmas carols with people who have no family with which to celebrate. This will be a wonderful statement of joy and solidarity this Christmas.
3. I’ve heard people thinking about buying Christmas presents say, “what do you get for the guy/gal who has everything?” In this case, why not support a good cause with your gift purchase? Some people have legitimate needs and Christmas presents can make all the difference in the world. Yet, many of us know people who don’t need anything.
1. Instead of adding another gizmo to the pile in our bulging storage boxes and garages why not get something unique. For example, Ten Thousand Villages sells fairly traded, handcrafted products from artisans around the world. This allows people in other countries to be paid a livable wage while making traditional items – so a gift from Ten Thousand Villages is a gift that gives twice! Once to the recipient, and once to the artisan.
2. Or, you could buy a share of a livestock animal in someone’s name. These gifts will provide needed animals for families in developing countries, and give both you and the recipient the joy of knowing you contributed to something worthwhile.
3. Another, way to reduce the consumerism prevalent during the holidays while building togetherness and relationships would be to give the gift of an experience: give someone tickets to a play for the two of you! Give a family a gift card to a local restaurant! Volunteer to take someone on a mountain picnic! These ideas for gifts build relationships and enhance a sense of community.

Jesus says to “be careful” – be careful that treasures are not piled up in the wrong place; be careful that you are not distracted; be careful to prepare your heart for Jesus’ presence.