This alarming number was reported by Think Finance in a recent poll that surveyed Americans across all income levels who use various forms of alternative financial services.  45% said that the holiday season brings such incredible financial stress that they would prefer to skip Christmas altogether.  Say it isn’t so!

Because gift-giving and many other aspects of Christmas involve heightened economic activity among Christians and non-Christians, retailers and businesses have placed unrelenting attention on Christmas as a significant financial event; a time to spend money.  Thus, Americans have been inundated with marketing campaigns meant to appeal to every sensation and emotion we have during the Christmas season.

$$$$$… Elaborate gifts for our children so they feel loved and special.

$$$$… A perfectly decorated home for when relatives arrive.

$$$… Social gatherings that involve a glistening ham with all the fixings.

$$… Mounds of sweets to keep the dentist in business next year.

$… An endless toasts to the holidays to turn every cheek rosy.

Is this really what Christmas was made for? Before we jump ship on Christmas and utter the *gasp* “Bah! Humbug!”, here’s a reminder of why we don’t skip Christmas.

As Christians, we know that Christmas is a Christian festival that commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ.  Of course there will be much that occurs leading up to this day, and rightly so.  Jesus Christ is after all, the Savior of the world, and his birth is the most important birth to ever occur.  Now that’s reason to celebrate!

You see, Christmas isn’t all about what we do, but rather, what’s already been done.  Therein lies the whole point; regardless of our efforts, Christmas, the birth of Jesus Christ, is a gift to us from God given freely through unconditional love to all who will receive.

God isn’t telling us to trim the tree, wrap gifts, throw a party, and spend money.  Rather, He tells us to delight in Him, be grace-filled (grateful), and love one another as He so freely loves us.  And to go about doing so with faith, hope, and joy in Him. This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it! (Tweet this.)