Christmas Is Not Your Birthday

In Seinfeld, the popular TV series from the 1990s, one of the characters, George Constanza, is unhappy about having to buy Christmas gifts for family, friends, and co-workers. George is cheap and devises clever ways to save money. So he makes up a charity and gives everyone a note card that simply says, “A donation in your name has been made to The Human Fund.” George’s scheme works pretty well until his boss gives him a check from the company for $25,000 as a donation to The Human Fund.

Christmas is not a time to be cheap. It is a time to be generous. The question is, to whom are we being generous? I said last year that I would offer this challenge now: let us consider what we spend on Christmas gifts and give at least an equal amount of money for mission.

In our culture, from 1999 to 2006 the average spending on Christmas gifts was around $1,000. In 2007, Christmas spending dropped a little to $859. Last year was a big change as most people planned to cut their gift spending by 50%. This year that trend continues as people are planning to spend an average of $417, down from $431 last year. The American Research Group conducted their twenty-fourth annual survey on holiday spending and found that planned spending is at the lowest level recorded since 1990 when planned spending was $399 (it was $419 in 1991).

This cut in spending, of course, coincides with the poor economy. While the cut in spending is a good thing, it is good also to remember that Jesus was concerned about inward motivations as well as outward circumstances.

Therefore, many congregations today challenge the way we live during December. We say, “Christmas is not your birthday. Celebrate your birthday when it is your birthday. Celebrate Jesus’ birthday on Christmas.” Shopping and spending money on stuff does not celebrate Jesus’ birthday. Jesus said he came to bring good news to the poor, to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free (Luke 4:18). Jesus did not come so some of the wealthiest people in the world (that is us) could have more stuff.

Christmas is a wonderful time of year. Still, it is not about consumption but compassion. It is not about presents but presence. It is a time to be generous. Therefore, I want to challenge us all to celebrate Jesus’ birth by giving to mission with our money (and our time and service, too!). The Missions Committee has identified local shelters as a mission emphasis for our entire congregation to support. I am very impressed as I have begun to see more clearly and understand Salem’s heart for mission. I know we can meet this challenge.

This could be hardest for those of us with younger children or grandchildren. In my own family we have been talking about this for a couple of years. It is essential that we form our children as Christians. That means we have to struggle constantly against the ways our children are formed in the world. This will not happen easily or quickly. I am challenging us to give at least an equal amount to mission. Even buying one less present, though, and giving the money to those in need is a good start. If you have any questions about how to go about this, please do not hesitate to contact me. May we live in such a way that our lives proclaim, “Happy Birthday, Jesus!”

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