“Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of fare” (Isaiah 55:2 NIV).
We’re dialing back the spending on Christmas at my house again this year. I’ve asked our family to limit themselves to $10 gifts and try to make, rather than buy if possible.
Why? Well, it’s not because we’re trying to “scrooge” Christmas! What we’re trying to do is get the focus off of us and back where it belongs… on Jesus.
When we spend money and go into debt buying things we can’t afford, we turn Christmas into a very unhappy and ultimately, dissatisfying season. After all the labor at shopping and spending, we often find ourselves feeling exhausted and empty, especially when the credit card bills arrive.
So, we’re saying “Humbug!” to another commercial Christmas season and “Hallelujah!” to Christ’s birthday. We’re spending less, not because we’re stingy, but because we want to spend more on:
- Reflecting on the Christmas story
- Slowing down to ponder and worship
- Enjoying fellowship with friends and family
- Giving to those in need
Spend less to spend more? Exactly!
Someone has defined worship as “pulling our affections off our idols and putting them on God.” If we’re going to worship the Babe of Bethlehem, then we’ve got to stop waiting in the line at Walmart.
“Why spend money and labor on what does not satisfy?” The Lord asked the people of Israel through the prophet Isaiah.
I think He still poses the same question to us today.