How much is enough? This perhaps, is a valid question to ponder, as I am writing this on Black Friday weekend.
Many shoppers with limited resources are devoted to finding deals at a price they can afford. Sadly for others, greed motivates them to search out cut-price deals, often causing fights to erupt as unruly crowds clamour for bargains.
The day originally received its name, as police dealt with the mayhem that resulted from multiple traffic accidents and violence. Retailers, at first, did not appreciate the negative connotation associated with a black day of the week. Now it has become a very profitable day for them.
Highly promoted, they decided to follow the adage, “If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em.”
We’re aware accountants use black to signify profit when recording each days' book entries. Red, of course, means loss.
Therefore, Black Friday now means “profitable Friday” to retailers and the economy.
But, how much is enough, as approaching Christmas, we find ourselves caught in the midst of the consumerism frenzy, not only in the welcoming shops but also— in our hearts?
I’m reminded of the wise Old Testament writer who suggested that those who love money, will never have enough and will be ruled by their possessions. How often are we reminded that we “can’t take it with us?” —“As everyone comes, so they depart.” (Ecclesiastes 5:11,15).
At Christmastime, in a world in which love has, at times, grown cold, we long to see acts of kindness that come from the heart of God — the most helpful and healing gifts we can each offer to others.
And many of these are already taking place throughout our communities. As I peruse the Holiday Events Guide that accompanies my local newspaper, I’m amazed and pleased to read of the many groups and societies that are reaching out to the lonely and needy — providing gifts, special meals and encouragement.
The words of Jesus come to mind, “In as much as you reach out to help one of these, you are reaching out to me,” (my paraphrase).
The beautiful carol services, choirs, Handel’s Messiah presentation, concerts, living nativity scenes, and Christmas light-ups, are all helping our city of Kelowna, “to keep Christ in Christmas” as we prepare for “the greatest celebration of them all” — that first Christmas when God came to earth to bring us salvation.
My “in-town family” completed my Christmas decor, inside and out, this week, in time for our Glenmeadows community “lite-up” night.
How great is the need of peace and acceptance in our today’s world!
There has been much violence and unrest throughout our world during and since the U.S. presidential election. Many have expressed fear and anxiety as they look to the future.
A recent email I received from a friend, related a conversation she had with someone, that mentioned, “Satan’s world as a scary place.”
This was her wise response:
“I agreed, then said, 'Although Satan is very busy out there, it is NOT his world. It still belongs to God. Just for the time being, Satan is allowed to be in it, creating havoc and chaos. One day that will change. But we need to remember that God is very much alive and still with us, and is in this world! He didn’t just say, “OK Satan, here’s my world. You can have it for awhile. I’m going on vacation and will be back later. He is here. He is real. He is alive. He “IS” the God of His world. We are not alone to battle Satan by ourselves. Hold tight to that promise and be encouraged!'”
Isaiah 54:5 reminds us… He is called the God of the Whole Earth.
To fill the void — nothing but Jesus will do.
“The Son of God became man so that men might become sons of God.”
— C.S. Lewis
— beulah
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