The Christmas Season can and should be a wonderful, warm family time filled with making memories with our children and families that will last a lifetime. It should be a time where we purposefully think about God coming to earth as a man, being born, and living in this world, and dying to pay for our sins.
For most of our readers, that is what Christmas involves; but if we are not careful, it can also be a time of financial debt that can result in bondage instead of blessings. Luke 12:15 says, “And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.” The Bible makes it abundantly clear that our lives are not defined by what we own or possess; yet during this time of year, through getting and giving, we can shift our focus from Christ who does define our life to something very temporal.
1. Beware of Selfishness
I Timothy 6:6 “But godliness with contentment is great gain.”
I believe it is appropriate to have Thanksgiving right before Christmas because it ought to be a reminder to continually be thankful even as we are receiving even greater blessings and gifts from others. There is a fleshly temptation in all of us to try and satisfy our desire to have more. As we celebrate the birth of our Savior, let us be mindful that He emptied Himself and left the riches of heaven to die for us!
2. Beware of Covetousness
Luke 12:15 “And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.”
Covetousness is defined as “looking and longing at the things of others or eagerly desirous.” If we are not careful, wonderful family time and making memories results in examining what others have in order to get it ourselves.
3. Beware of Forsaking the Lord
Proverbs 3:9-10 “Honour the Lord with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.”
Because of overspending and under-planning, some Christians will forsake the Lord and the care of their church during Christmas. Let it be said of God’s people that we were faithful to tithe and to give to missions first! God honors the Christian who first honors Him!
Some facts to consider:
- Most households in the US will spend an average of $1,564.00 this Christmas.
- By November of the following year, 54% are still paying off the debt acquired during Christmas the previous year.
- Combine number two with the fact that the average US household already has $10k in credit card debt.
Some Practical Suggestions:
- If you cannot afford it, do not buy it.
- If you cannot pay off your credit card, do not use it.
- Do not try to keep up with the giving of others.
- Things that will not be used in a month may not be worth paying for the rest of the year.
- Do not be ashamed to make a gift for others if you cannot buy something.
- Determine what you can afford to spend and do not exceed that amount.
- Do not complain.
- Do not forsake the Lord in church attendance and Bible reading.
Wherever you find yourself this Christmas Season, take multiple opportunities to pause and consider what defines your life. Praise God that truly, our life does not consist of what we have, give, or get. It consists of what we have been given in salvation and what we can do for our Savior!
Pastor Jason Atwood
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Jason Atwood, Assistant Pastor
Jason Atwood grew up in the Corpus Christi, Texas area, and in November 2006, Pastor Atwood was called to be the first pastor of Heritage Baptist Church of Corpus Christi. The church was meeting in a small one-bedroom house. God blessed, and they moved to a new 5-acre site to allow continued growth. In 2019, God led Pastor Atwood to join our staff. He is a tremendous help to Pastor Trieber in both the church and the college ministry. He is married to Aimee, and they have three boys — Will, Connor, and Jack.
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