Though you'd imagine that it goes without saying, I've changed a lot since my childhood and teenage years. Now, granted, I still have a lot more growing to do (something that will also go without saying), but at the moment, I find myself looking around and feeling a bit dissatisfied. It sounds like a terrible thing to say, particularly in the middle of the Advent season with Christmas less than two weeks away... but I cannot help the way I feel.
I think I started noticing it when I was young, though I did not recognize it then. It almost seemed as if, the older I got, the less magical Christmas became. For awhile, I equated that feeling with my growing up. Now, however, I think I attribute this lack of 'magic' to the over-commercialism and saturation of Christmas with the capitalistic manifesto.
To a degree, we all buy into this attitude - we lavish presents on friends, family, and co-workers... and, even this year, I've done just that. It's one way to express love for those around us. In a consumer-driven culture, like the one we all live in, it is often the easiest and most convenient way, though not necessarily the best.
Having a conversation with a couple of my fellow teachers yesterday over lunch yielded some interesting tidbits about the differences between Europe and America - particularly as urban areas are concerned. In Europe, most cities exist only over the course of a couple of miles... and the larger ones have excellent public transport. Most everything is within walking distance. Not so in the States. Cars are a necessity. I live at least 20 minutes driving distance (if not more) from both my place of employment and my place of worship. Seems absurd, no? (Perhaps the scary thing is that it really doesn't seem all that absurd...)
One of the teachers mentioned that this space was largely in part to the culture of consumerism we've fostered in America. Rather than keep everything intimate, we've spread out, consuming land and resources as we've gone until we are scattered from one another, losing our sense of community and comradery.
Christmas has no remained unaffected. In an effort to show our love for one another, we find ourselves bustling all over town (or, in my case, all over the Internet) in search of the best deal rather than spending time with those loved ones. It seems a pity, no?
Here's a video I saw a few weeks ago at Indy First's Fall Retreat. It's definitely stayed with me since I've seen it. Check it out:
Definitely something to think about. Times are tough all over, not just here. I, for one, have committed to giving a sum of money to this charity. I hope that you can find it in your heart (if you have the means) to give as well. Check out the Advent Conspiracy website at www.AdventConspiracy.org.
Luke 12:48 says, "From everyone who has been given much, much will be required; and to whom they entrusted much, of him they will ask all the more." We live in the wealthiest nation on Earth. If you have access to a computer, chances are you're living in the wealthiest 1% of the world's population. So... you've been given much. Are you living up to His expectations?
16 years ago
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