November 2018


The holiday season is my favorite time of year. It’s all about family, friends, good food, lots of fun, and most importantly, faith. The abundant food and thankful spirit of Thanksgiving work to remind us of all the bountiful blessings that God gives us. The songs, stories and decorations of Christmas typically brings to the imagination the reason for our faith. Despite the emphasis placed on Jesus it is quite easy to miss the reason for the season. All too often we make the mistake of Martha and focus on what needs to be done instead of imitating Mary and spending our time at the feet of Jesus. It is also easy to get distracted by the material things. Unsurprisingly we often focus too much on the material things.

Make this holiday season different. Set a goal for you and your family to put Jesus first in every aspect of what you do. One great way to do this is by how you spend your money. It is easy to ask Jesus to bless your meal, or to think about him during holiday programs at church. But how often do you think about Jesus when chasing those Black Friday deals or loading the shopping cart with Christmas presents? This year when you park your car to go shopping, pray and ask the Holy Spirit to guide your purchase decision and your attitude in the store. Holiday shopping can bring out the worst in all of us.

Here are several ways you can save money and spend it according to Biblical principles. Create a budget for holiday spending, especially for gifts. Plan meals as a potluck. Plan your menu early and shop for food deals. Avoid pre-made dishes and platters as these are expensive. Avoid disposables as these cost extra and create a lot of trash to deal with. Keep decorations simple because these can get expensive too. Set a limit to the number of gifts to buy each person. Make some of the gifts you give. This can be a fun family project. Buy gifts that will last and that you know will be used. Avoid giving gifts that will collect dust or you are not sure are even wanted. Buy purposeful gifts and focus on quality rather than quantity. Finally, focus on traditions and memories and not just gifts. Put up decorations together, make delicious recipes, build a snowman, sing Christmas songs, enjoy looking at lights. These are the things that will be remembered and best of all they don’t cost.

Christmas is all about giving. The two most often told stories are about giving, not getting. One of the oldest stories is that of Saint Nickolas who gave gifts to poor children and the most famous being when God gave his only Son to a rebellious world. Do something this year that is focused on giving. Donate money or items to causes you support. Pick out some gifts with your family to give to a gift redistribution charity such as Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child. Ask others to donate to a charity or cause in your name rather than buy you a gift. Donate gifts you get but don’t really want or need to a charity rather than let them sit in a closet. Pack some food storage bags with warm socks, a granola bar, hygiene items, and a tract or Steps to Christ and pass out to homeless people you see. Give those around you hope by telling them about the Good News in your heart and the reason you celebrate Christmas.

Written by David F. Garner








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