In that day the Lord will end the bondage of his people. He will break the yoke of slavery and lift it from their shoulders. Isaiah 10:27
Christmas, the time of year where all sorts of emotions take place. The emotion of guilt and embarrassment that many feel as they shop and spend funds they may not have. December, the month where many forget their needs and cater to WANTS. How many times have you purchased the perfect bath n body gift, only to go the Christmas gathering to receive a similar bath n body gift set back. As I continue to search for the true meaning behind gift giving, I find gift giving is respectfully giving to that friend/family/stranger that offers nothing in return.
My prayer is that every bondage of debt behind this season is lifted. I pray that know one has feelings of guilt or embarrassment due to the inability to give. We must also be clear, just because someone doesn't buy gifts does not always mean they don't have the resources to buy. Let's not associate a person's decision to not buy with poverty. Perhaps, they are being financially aware & rather save for an experience. The experience to travel.
Hmmm, is it possible to pitch in for a nice family dinner with NO gift exchange ? How about everyone purchase a passport book for $135 ? The thousands of dollars families spend on Christmas, would it work out to have an experience instead ? Did you know statistics show African Americans to be the least likely to hold a passport and use it ? It's something quite liberating about holding a passport. Once it arrives in the mail, there is no foreign land we can't touch. Let's encourage one another to purchase things of true substance this season. Pitching in to help a loved one get out of debt. What about that friend who has been having a hard time all year ? What if we all pitched in to pay their utilities ? I often wonder how that would pan out. I guess my point is..... don't get all bent out of shape for December 25th, after all Jesus is the reason for the season. Let's encourage one another to do the right thing this season. NO OVERSPENDING!
Happy Holidays,
Tynita
