Shopping

I am considering sticking to my guns this Christmas. There was an article in the newspaper today and the author was expressing what I have been thinking. Though his basis may be not from the same heart as mine but his point was valid. Why should I spend money on things that will be broken or lost? Should not my money be spent wisely? He used the coined phrase: WWJB? What would Jesus Buy? What would He buy? Food for the starving, clothes for the freezing, shelter for the homeless, families for the lonely, kindness to all, and unconditional love. Obviously, some of these can not be bought or given by us. But what about what we can do? Is it enough to give a little extra to the church? Or to fill that one or even a hundred boxes for Operation Christmas Child? What kind of sacrifice is it to give to others if it doesn't hurt even a little? Now I am not saying to give everything and leave nothing for yourself to pay your bills with or starve your own family but shouldn't we all be asking, "What more can I do?" Do I need to spend a few hundred dollars or more in some instances to buy gifts for my loved ones that really have everything already? (This is my own opinion and do understand that there are families out there that don't have everything and could use the assistance of family and friends. I am just speaking on an overall opinion and subject.)
My girls have very little in toys compared to everyone else I know. And yet, they leave them all over the floor. Having little and enough room to put them away, leaves no excuse for the blatant disrespect I see to leave them there. What is the need for new toys then? Yes, it is fun and I wish I could give them everything they could ever want, I do. But picturing a child starving to death, riddled with curable illnesses and disease and seeing them shiver from cold,...do I not have a greater responsibility? Will my children die without that special toy they want? No, but that other child will if it doesn't get what he/she really needs.
In the end, I will give my children something, perhaps quite small to even moderate. But I think from now, Lord willing, others that are in true need will benefit from the celebration of God's mercy upon us. His decent from heaven in Christ, is a day to give a little more of ourselves to those we can reach. Remember to unmask the materialism from the true meaning of Christmas.
Amen