Perfect timing. For three weeks, we’ve been talking about Western cultural values and how they negatively impact our relationships.
Now Christmas looms. No other season brings out the best and the worst in us quite like this one.
But there’s good news. The deepest darkness makes the best contrast for light.
So let’s come up with creative ways to counter-act these undesirable traits: consumerism, materialism, pleasure/entertainment-dependency, pain-avoidance, image-sensitivity, information-addiction, productivity-driven, utilitarianism, and entitlement.
1. Contentment vs. Consumerism
How much sense does it make to overspend like crazy at Christmas, stressing out and going into debt to … prove our love? Is this the message we want our kids to take to heart — expect a lot, because it’s all about stuff? Maybe it’s time for a change this year. Maybe a sane and joyful Christmas would look like less money spent and more time spent together instead.
The gift of contentment is far better than more stuff.
2. Meaningful Relationships vs. Materialism
I’ve been doing a fun exercise this December — intentionally paying more attention to the people around me as a run errands, and looking for someone to pray for each day. This brings a smile and a sense of hope to others, and takes the focus off me and my shopping list.
Choose people over things this year.
3. Embracing Quiet vs. Entertainment-Dependent
Retailers are hawking their wares like crazy, trying to convince us we can’t live without constant entertainment and amusement. Yet some of the sweetest moments of this season are times of quiet reflection. Light some candles, put on soft Christmas tunes, and sip a warm cup of tea.
Reflect on the wonder of God’s great love in sending us his Son.
4. Reaching Out vs. Avoiding Pain
The healthiest thing to do when depression strikes — as it often does around the holidays — is to be outward-focused. Perhaps you know of a family in financial need this Christmas, or someone who has lost a loved one recently. As God what you can give — time, money, a warm supper.
Let God lift your eyes off your problems to help someone else.
5. Rejoicing in who you are vs. Image Sensitivity
For women in particular, the holidays can be the worst season of the year for the comparison game we play. Who makes the most awesome Christmas crafts? Bakes the best cookies? Throws the most successful party? Enough, already.
Open your home to be warm and hospitable, not to impress others.
6. Turning off the Technology vs. Information-addiction
I’m not advocating that we stash our computers, i pads, and Smart phones for all of December — just that we be mindful of how quickly and thoroughly technology can gobble up our spare moments. In order to experience contentment, quiet reflection, and meaningful relationships, take a break from devices for a certain amount of time daily, and even longer on the weekend.
The world will not screech to a halt just because you missed a few factoids.
7. Motivated by Love vs. Driven by Productivity
It’s not about our accomplishments, it’s about our relationships. This one can be confusing for women, though — we tend to measure our accomplishments by what we’ve done for everybody else. Drill a little deeper this year and ask, What’s my motive for this activity? Avoid over-committing out of obligation.
Serving others out of love results in joy, not stress.
8. Valuing Others vs. Utilitarianism
Christmas is a great time of year to stop and notice other people. God places great value on every image-bearer. Take a second look at the checkout clerk, the waitress, the delivery guy. How can you reach out to them in some small way, instead of just trying to get stuff done?
Don’t use people and love things; use things and love people.
9. Humility vs. Entitlement
The Lord Jesus holds the highest titles that exist — yet he emptied himself and took on a human form to save us (Philippians 2). I look most like my precious Jesus when I humble myself rather than assuming life is all about me.
Be willing to lay aside your rights for the sake of others.
That’s a lot of changes to chew on. You may want to choose 2-3 areas where you most desire for Jesus to bring transformation.
As you do, I pray your December is the best one yet.
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