"It's Not Your Birthday"

That's the title of this post from Allen White. He considers the hypermaterialism with which we usually celebrate Christmas and makes four good suggestions for changing things:

• 1. Set a budget for your Christmas spending.
• 2. Buy presents for your loved ones.
• 3. Buy a present for Jesus.
• 4. Take time to reflect on the meaning of Christmas on December 25.

Specific to suggestion #3 above, it's worth remembering this past Sunday's Gospel lesson. In it, Jesus portrays the day when, having returned to earth, He will judge all people.

Jesus is served, we see, when we give food to the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, welcome the stranger, provide clothing for the naked, care for the sick, and visit the imprisoned.

When we provide for those who can't possibly return the favor, we "buy a present for Jesus." So, donate or volunteer at a local food bank. Or, give to Lutheran World Relief or World Vision. Honor Jesus, Who gave His life for You on a cross. Buy a present for Jesus this Christmas.

The world and we ourselves are better when we do that.