WE ARE fast approaching the Christmas season, and the air is filled with the perennial selling and buying frenzy. The daily activity is so frantic that many Christians seem to have lost the real significance of the nativity that has characterised Christmas Day.

The homes along the roadways have started to glitter with a varied assortment of coloured lights, and the stores are awash in a wide variety of enticing Christmas gifts. The commercial parking lots are crammed with cars, and the hustle and bustle of eager shoppers is breathtaking.

To avoid becoming enmeshed in overspending, one should heed the sobering words of Charles Dickens' literary character, Mr. Micawber, who noted for his financial woes said: "If a man had twenty pounds a year for his income, and spent £19, 19 shillings and sixpence, he would be happy, but if he spent £20, one shilling he would be miserable." In other words, don't spend more than you earn.

Giving of oneself

From my experience, financial peace of mind does not emanate so much from the amount of money earned as it is from how well that money is budgeted and managed.

Please remember that the Christmas season is not only about giving lavish material gifts, but it is also about giving of oneself to those who are underprivileged and downtrodden.

It would appear that we are so caught up in sheer materialism that we seem to forget the real meaning of Christmas. We must all remember that Jesus Christ did not hand out lavish material gifts during his life on earth. What he gave to us in abundance was himself. He certainly empathised with the poor and downtrodden, and bestowed on them his loving care and unconditional love and affection.

It is sad to say that our Christmas tradition has been so badly eroded by materialism that many children are not even aware that December 25 is celebrated as the birthdate of Jesus Christ. A group of Sunday School children were asked: "Whose birthday is celebrated on December 25?" It was indeed depressing and disconcerting that the almost unanimous reply was: "Santa Claus".

In view of this disturbing state of affairs, Christians of all denominations should rededicate themselves to the true spirit of Christmas by resisting the widespread urge of the marring effects of insatiable materialism that has ruined many households both financially and spiritually.

Please remember that it is not the showy, lavish giving of material goods that is the key to success; it is the giving of oneself.

I am, etc.,

RUPERT JOHNSON

r.b.johnson@sympatico.ca

Toronto, Ontario

Canada, M1C 3M7