I was just reminded last week, there are only a little more than five weeks left until Christmas. “Wow”, I thought, “That really sneaks up on you when you aren’t expecting it!” It’s such a reaction that’s programmed into us by the advertising commercialism that starts earlier and earlier every year. I’m not immune to it either. But I can do something about it. I can remember whose birthday we are celebrating. What would Jesus of Nazareth want me to do for His birthday?

A few years ago, I read a book by Mike Slaughter called “Christmas is Not Your Birthday: Experience the Joy of Living and Giving Like Jesus.” On the back cover of the book, it says, “Every year, we say we’re going to cut back, simplify, and have a family Christmas that focuses on the real reason for the season – Jesus. But every year, advertisements beckon, the children plead, and it seems easier just to indulge our wants and whims. Overspending, overeating, materialism, and busyness rob us of our peace and joy and rob Jesus of his rightful role as the center of our celebration.”

At Stepping Stones Christian Bookstore, I have seen the figure of Santa Claus kneeling at baby Jesus’ manger. While I like this image, which reminds us that the first “Santa”, Kris Kringle was a doer of good deeds in his community, somehow, many of us get it mixed up. Instead of thinking of Santa as being made in Christ’s image, we’ve often made Jesus to fit into Santa’s image. Paraphrasing Rev. Slaughter, we come to the realization that many of us, at some level, think that if we are good enough, God will provide us with the material things we want. All we have to do is ask. But Jesus, God with us, was not the savior most people were looking for. God’s gifts are not the kind that will fit in a stocking; they will only fit in our hearts.

Jesus spoke in the Bible about the risks of putting too much trust in money and possessions instead of the kingdom of God. Remember Matthew 6:24: “No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” So how can we recognize this danger and not get drawn into this world’s commercialism? A good way to start is to focus our preparation for Christmas on Jesus.

At the first Christmas Jesus’ coming to earth was a miracle. Should we expect a miracle this and every year? Rev. Slaughter suggests it’s time to plan new traditions that focus on Jesus’ “presence” rather than the “presents” we may receive. Who will be a part of the miracle we can look for this year? You and I are to be the hands, feet, and voice of Jesus until his return. We must be a part of the miracle. Even though we don’t feel qualified to be a miracle worker, we must remember God works miracles through everyday common people like us through the gift of the Holy Spirit. Look at the first Christmas. Who would have expected a young unmarried common girl to be the mother of the Savior of the world? Likewise the Bible is full of stories of unqualified, ordinary people whom God uses for extraordinary purposes.

One of my favorite verses in the Bible is Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” It seems to be written just for me, just for each of us. It gives me hope and courage to listen for what the next step God may have for my life. Maybe even to have a part in a miracle. Are you ready, too? I’ll talk more about that in my next reflection. Don’t put off preparing your heart to hear God speaking to you.

Written to God’s honor and glory.