Where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where

A recent headline of a local newspaper in anticipation of ‘Black Friday’, screamed: Ready, Set…Shop! In one of the few positives references to something called ‘black’, we have been deluged with invitations to take advantage of “once in a lifetime deals” that pop up at least once every year. I was struck by an image on television of shoppers pressing against the doors of a super chain store at 4a.m. and then trampling one another once the doors were open, in a frenzy to part with their hard earned money, as if their lives depended on it. What a sad state of affairs.

That the holiday season has been reduced to such brash commercial and materialism is no surprise. To many people, the holiday season is all about what we can get and what we can spend. In many cultures, Christmas is still about giving to the least, caring for the poor, recognizing family and sharing the blessings of the Lord. Thanking God for His goodness and thanking God for a Savior, Christ Jesus.

Jesus recognized the temptation to fall prey to the trap of materialism that seems to overwhelm us. He encourages us to “lay up treasures in heaven”. The true treasures in life are love, peace, kindness, goodwill toward all men, women and children. Treasures that are free and don’t cost a dime. However great Black Friday seems, I thank God that “Sunday’s Coming”, where praises to God are the order of the day. Thank God for life. Thank God for love. Thank God for Jesus.