Every year, about this time if not before, my wife inevitably asks me what I want for Christmas. And every year, without fail, I offer very little by way of reply. I don’t tend to put much thought towards what I would like under the tree, which is in stark contrast to what I was like as a child. When I was growing up, I remember going through the old Sears catalog, looking through the toy section, making a list of things that I would like to get. Yet somewhere, in the decades between then and now, my thoughts about Christmas have changed dramatically.
First, as someone who wasn’t raised as a Christian, my understanding of the true meaning of Christmas has shifted in a life-changing way. No longer is it the greatest day in the history of materialistic celebration. Instead, it is a day of commemoration as we celebrate having received the greatest gift ever given to mankind. Understanding that Christ is the reason for the season transforms the holiday, allowing for a sense of joy and gratitude no matter what may be unwrapped come Christmas morning.
Second, and perhaps this only comes with the wisdom of years, material things have become much less important to me compared to experiences shared with loved ones. This isn’t to say that I don’t need things, because the meal that I share with family has to first be cooked, and our home where we enjoy gathering has to be maintained. But ultimately the material things have their greatest value to me when they are being leveraged to create memories and experiences with others.
None of this means that I don’t enjoy receiving gifts on Christmas day. I will be quite happy to unwrap a few things while enjoying the family time together, and I have no doubt that some of what I unwrap will lead to new experiences and memories that will bring joy for years to come. However, as I have grown in my Christian faith, I have seen the wisdom in something that the Apostle Paul wrote nearly 2,000 years ago. To the church in Philippi, he wrote:
“for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:11-13).
I am content with what I have. In fact, I am more than content, because I see that I am truly blessed, and I have a difficult time letting my mind focus on how to be even more blessed by material things. Unfortunately for my wife, that makes me hard to shop for, but I would rather fill my mind with wonderful memories than fill my house with stuff.
May your Christmas season be filled with wonderful memories this year.
Peace and blessings – Pastor Aaron