stuff... is just stuff.

Christmas.  It's a holiday, generally identified by a jolly man in red suit named Santa Claus.  You make a list of all the things you want and he brings them to you.  America spends billions of dollars on things to stick under the tree. Because happiness comes in cardboard box, right?  I mean, iPhones make people happy.  Clothes make people happy. Stuff makes people happy.

Doesn't it?

I know you've heard that sermon ten times over.  That Jesus is the reason for the season and blah blah blah blah blah. And every time, you ignore it.  Maybe not purposefully and maybe not completely... but you do.  I have.

America spends an average of $450 billion on Christmas each year.  It only takes $2 billion to give everyone around the world clean water.  And yet we still go berserk, filling our carts with stuff we don't need... stuff we don't even want. Not really.

See, we think if we get that one thing, then we'd be happy.

"If I could just have an iPhone..."

"...if I got a pair of Sperry's."

"If I got that camera, I'd have everything I want."

But you wouldn't.  Within the next month you'd want something else.  And after you got that, you'd want another something. The only thing that can make you happy -- really happy -- is that little baby in the manger.  That's right.  Jesus.

Stuff... is just stuff.  I didn't get that for a long time.  I thought that if I had "cool" clothes, I'd be happy.  I thought if I had... I dunno... an iPod, that I'd be happy.  But I wasn't.  I mean, I was glad I received those things, but the happiness that came with them faded.  The smile that pleasing Jesus brings, well, it lasts.  Forever.

So this Christmas, I challenge you to give more and spend less.  To remember that stuff is just stuff.  But that pleasing Jesus lasts. And so does the impact you leave on others.  So give.  Give stuff.  Give Jesus.  Give yourself.

"Give away your life; you'll find life given back, but not merely given back--given back with bonus and blessing. Giving, not getting, is the way. Generosity begets generosity." --Luke 6:38

p.s. I won't be blogging until after New Year's... so Merry Christmas!  May you be filled up with Jesus and be surrounded by those you love and cherish. Eat Christmas cookies, sing Christmas carols, and worship Him.  He's not in the manger anymore, friends :)