How much giving is given at Christmas? I know folks that heap, and I mean HEAP, presents around a tree and the children agonize over them for 3 to 4 weeks prior to the 25th of December. That helps create an “I-want” attitude in children. Of course how often are children told to wait for Santa to bring them a gift? In this day of hurry up, instant access, microwaves, etc, it’s real difficult for a kid to learn to wait. Waiting is not consistent with the rest of society. And how many kids are disappointed at Christmas time or with their Christmas gift. You see, it’s all about expectations and disappointments. A big build-up to a bigger let down.

   The first few years they aren’t expected to give, just receive and enjoy. When they start to give it’s usually purchased for them, or the money is given to them to buy the gift. Their thinking why do I have to buy a gift when good old Santa will provide. And how many children are bad and they know they were bad (being inherited from Adam) and they are able to fool Santa so they still get what they want. Wow! the kid thinks, I’ll bet I can fool God just the same. You would be amazed how many decisions are made at 5 and 9 years old and those same ideas carry through to adulthood.

   At what age do kids learn there is no Santa Claus? That he’s just a character that has been made up. Maybe that’s why there is a lack of belief in the Bible in this generation. Think about it. People lie to their kids about Santa, the Easter bunny, and the tooth fairy. Will they believe another fantastic story about a savior who was born of a virgin, then died after living a sinless life, and then came back to life again, before going back to heaven to be with God. The Gospels won’t be believable to those kids. WHY do people promote and glorify him(Santa) so much? Do they just get caught up in what everyone else is doing and don’t want to be a killjoy? It’s always easier to agree than to stand up and be opposed to what’s popular.

   Some people spend themselves into debt they can’t get out of until next July. They wait for that huge tax refund check to pay off Visa. What do you do when someone you know has everything? I know people like that. They are rich, popular, influential, well traveled. What do you get them for a gift? Some stupid thing they don’t want nor need. But people feel that pressure. You’ve got to get Uncle Marv SOMETHING. It’s Christmas!

    I know people who go out during the Christmas season and buy huge amounts of gifts and food and lots of other stuff and find some poor folks and pile this stuff on them. New shoes, bicycles, dolls, clothes, a turkey, a ham, bags of canned goods are all on the list. Two months later the season is over and one shoe has been eaten by the pit bull, the doll lost her head, the turkey and ham aren’t even remembered and the bicycle has been sold to buy some crack.

   Where is all that Christmas spirit when you see those same folks later. Do you feel like giving to them again or is it just not the season any more. Maybe next year. Maybe Santa will bring them something.

   Here’s a novel idea. How about going and teaching them what the Bible says about drunkenness, about loving their family, teach them about Jesus. That’s what it means when the quote says, “give a man a fish, feed him for a day, teach him to fish and feed him for a lifetime”. When you are embroiled in false worship your gifts are nothing to God.

   Stop bringing meaningless offerings. Your incense is detestable to me. New Moons, Sabbath's and convocations. I cannot bear your evil assemblies. Your new moon festivals' and your appointed feasts My soul hates. They have become a burden to me; I am weary of bearing them. Isaiah 1:13,14

   Obviously, God was displeased with the traditions of men.

   But he answered and said unto them why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition? Matthew 15:3

And he said unto them, full well you reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition. Mark 7:9

   That shatters the idea that holidays are allowed due to the new covenant. Many think the old Mosaic Law is now obsolete. That’s not true!

   Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, til all be fulfilled. Matthew 5:17

   What's wrong with giving gifts to loved ones? There is nothing wrong with giving gifts. Why do we give a gift and say it's from Santa? Why wait till a certain day? Why compete to see who spends the most money? Our Lord was born, true. When he was born the Angels didn't declare, " remember this day ", they sang, " glory to God ". We're is the glory to God when we compete to have the best lights on our house, when people are trampled buying the latest doll for a child who doesn't even know it's coming from their parent. Where is the glory to God in convincing our children to believe a total lie?

   I believe in giving. I support my church with all its ministries. I support other missions and causes, as well as spontaneous gifts as needed. I volunteer time. I do good works. So then at Christmas I say to everyone, “I don’t get involved in Christmas, I don’t believe it’s a Biblical celebration.” I usually hear, “what’s the matter, are you a Scrooge?” or “Don’t you believe in Christ?” I just think, forgive them Father, for they know not . . . .

Cover Next: Chapter 6 - Angel of Light Return Home Webpage property of BillBaileyMinistries. All rights reserved. Maintained by Bill