Christmas is about celebrating Jesus' birth. God gave us His son. But we have started celebrating the gifts we get instead of Jesus, who is the reason for the season. This sunday we are going to be continuing our series in the Advent Conspiracy, which is a return to the true meaning of Christmas. Last week, we looked as a church at the idea of Worshiping God Fully. This week we will be looking at Spending Less, drawing the conclusion that we need to learn, with God's help, the idea of contentment in Christ. Paul explains in 1 Timothy 6:6-10, that contentment is what we should strive for. He says really what we need is food and clothes, and we can be content. In Philippians 4:11-13 he calls himself content no matter what. He is satisfied with that he has, and does not want anything more. He attributes the strength he has, to be content, in Christ.
As I was studying for this lesson something struck me. I had an "Ah-Ha" moment. An aspect of being content is being thankful for and appreciating what God has blessed us with. This sounds like another holiday... it's the big one that comes before Christmas- Thanksgiving.
I have a friend who has a young daughter, and every year for her birthday and Christmas my friend and her daughter take one toy that was given, and give it to someone else who is in need. My friend is trying to instill this valuable principle of contentment to her daughter.
I dare you to practice contentment this Christmas season. When you want to give a present to a friend, make it, or have it situate around doing something with that person. If you do this, you will get more out of the holiday season.
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