tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1954032186621541669.post4957523848282545867..comments2023-12-23T07:04:04.016-08:00Comments on Thinking Faith: A Different Kind of ChristmasBill Trenchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17055902411464959661noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1954032186621541669.post-310035993323909422012-11-26T14:31:51.898-08:002012-11-26T14:31:51.898-08:00On the one hand, I affirm the earthy celebration o...On the one hand, I affirm the earthy celebration of Christmas. Isn't the core message that the Word of God became Flesh?... And doesn't that say something about the redemption/spiritual fulfillment of material reality - even material gift giving? The Incarnation makes sacred the material reality that we're (wrongheadedly) supposed to eschew in favor of spiritual life...<br /><br />Moreover, I affirm the reality of celebration - a time when Abundance rejoices - in times that try our souls and stretch us out on racks of disappointment and despair... and I fully understand that Jesus wants all God's children to know and have that Abundance...<br /><br />You say it well:<br /><br />"According to the Gospels, he wants us to feed the hungry and clothe the naked, to love our neighbors as ourselves, to forgive those who hurt us, to turn the other cheek and go the extra mile, to work for peace and justice, and pray for the coming of God’s kingdom, to give all that we have, and to follow him."<br /><br />And I know that some of those who speak the loudest about the folly of Christmas gift-giving seem fully willing to give themselves more at non-Christmas than I've ever spent for my loved ones at Christmas - so let's be real about how we use our material blessings - how we find joy in giving it away to those we really do love...<br /><br />It IS a shame that Material Overindulgence (gluttony) is, tragically, culturally linked to the celebration of Christmas. But Material Overindulgence, not Christmas generosity and the joy of gift-giving, is the problem. Don't confuse the one with the other.Abrahamnoreply@blogger.com