Read Before “Black Friday”
Every Man For Himself
I’m afraid we’re only a few weeks away. That dreaded day when blood is shed and no one is safe with a shopping cart. It’s the busiest shopping day of the year, the day after Thanksgiving. I’m hoping to get this message to you before the madness begins and it’s too late. Forget about black Friday, I’m worried about broke Monday.
Now, I think it’s important you know that I have four boys ages 14, 12, 10, & 3 that can’t wait for Christmas. In fact, they can’t wait for Santa to come down that chimney bearing all kinds of gifts. Now, I can’t tell Santa what to do with his money, but I would like to spare you some unnecessary heartache when it comes to your holiday purchases. Here are three ways to save money this Christmas.
#1: Set Limits. I don’t know how much money you make or how much you spend for Christmas. However, I do know the average American spends WAY too much money buying Christmas gifts. Don’t tell me you can’t pay your light bill, then go out and buy your son a brand new 4Wheeler. Every year people who are broke head out and spend money like its water. Listen, Christmas should be a blessing to your family, not a burden. If what you buy creates more stress, gives you less time together, and gets your lights cut off then Houston I think we’ve got a problem. Honestly, I don’t think my wife and I have ever spent more than $100 per child for Christmas. There have been times where $50 per child was our limit. You need to set limits, stick to them, and throw away those plastic cards that you call money.
2: Resist The Peer Pressure. So many people say they don’t care what other people think, but everything they do speaks otherwise. Who cares if your neighbor buys their child a huge flat screen? Who cares if the rest of your family buys laptops like they are blow pops? Who cares what anyone else does? Most who spend outrageous amounts for Christmas can’t afford it either, but their mind tells them they have no choice. You do have a choice and you can choose to be responsible. Don’t be compelled by outside pressures that you have to spend a certain amount of money for this Christmas to be great.
3: Let Jesus Take Center Stage. Manger Scenes will find themselves in many homes during this time of the year. Many will say “Remember the reason for the Season.” Yet, many will turn around and make Christmas all about being busy and buying lots of things that don’t have to be purchased. Listen, the average child I know does not need another toy, a new phone or a laptop. The average child needs to know they are loved unconditionally by you and Jesus. When we make Christmas all about the gifts, we overlook the greatest gift. That gift did not cost you anything, but cost God everything. His only son Jesus.
We all need to know that if we never receive another gift in our lives, the greatest gift has already been given. He was born in a manger, lived on this earth, and died on a cross for our sins. Through Jesus we have the promise of eternal life in Heaven and peace on this earth no matter what life throws our way. “She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” -Matthew 1:21
Pastor Craig Crosby 
So true! I pray that me and my family can apply these simple truths and truly remember the reason for the season! Thank you, Craig, for the heartfelt advice before the Christmas frenzy begins!
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