No Gifts

The Friday after Thanksgiving my sister called us. Mostly she wanted to check on my wife, who has had health issues for the last two months. In addition, though, she offered a suggestion for Christmas. "We all have more than we need," she said. "Let's not exchange gifts this year. In view of the economy and the troubles people are facing, let's give what we would have spent to local food banks."

That's a great suggestion. Think of the impact that would take place if several hundred or several thousand people did that. American retailers would hate it, of course. As we were reminded after Black Friday, we aren't doing our patriotic duty and spending enough money in preparation for the holidays. But curtailing lavish gift purchasing and boosting beneficial giving could feed the very sacrificial attitude that so desperately needs to replace runaway consumerism.

Beyond that, it would foster a change in habit and priority. Too much discipleship is discipleship in word and concept only. The biblical concept of metanoia (conversion) means more than a change in what we think or say. It means a change in what we do and, as a result, a change in who we are.

My sister is a smart and faithful lady. May her tribe increase. I'll see you around the next bend in the river.