God help us...through the holidays!

As the holidays approach, I can't help but feel a little perplexed. Though the intent of the holiday is superb, we get so caught up in the customsthat we forget the true meaning of why we celebrate. Many of us will go broke, into debt, re-gift, be depressed, and pass on the plane ticket home for the holidays. This year will be more difficult for countless Americans, because the economy is in such a broken state.

Christmas is the celebration of the birth of "Baby Jesus." The narrative in the Bible says it was the 3 wise men that came bearing gifts for the newborn King. So in observance of His birth, we celebrate Christmas through the assembly of family and the exchanging of gifts.

I'm sure that this is not the Christmas that I've experienced over the years. The Christmas that I've known in the past, celebrates a generous Santa Claus who gives toys to children, encourages over-aggressive salespeople, and drives frenzied mall shoppers crazy over last minute sales. I came to this revelation today, while leaving a class at my church. During the silent ride home, my thoughts swooned. I couldn't help but think about the church, the holiday, my expenses, and many, many more things.

All week I've been thinking about my personal financial state and how that will affect my Christmas holiday. Things like my travel arrangements,budget for gift-giving, who I should give gifts to, and whether I will even receive gifts that will compensate for my own expense, consumed me.

I know I'm not alone; especially in these uncertain times. Every week, more and more people are reported losing jobs. People in search of jobs, can't find jobs. It's safe to say that this will not be the most festive holiday,but it still can be. If American Christians are able to remember why we celebrate this time of year, than it is still a possibility for a truly festive and abundant holiday. The holiday is a time of remembrance,reflection, and family. Our focus should be on Christ and how we cancelebrate His life, death, and resurrection.

Though decorating your home with lights and garland, gift-giving, and holiday feasts are customs associated with the holiday, we should really be humbled by the true meaning of Christmas and the greatest gift of all; oursalvation.

Perhaps, we're not in as bad of a state as we think we are. Maybe theapproaching holidays are an opportunity to hold fast to our faith. Better yet, maybe we should be putting our faith in something more substantial. This is an opportunity for most Americans to fall to their knees and be introspective about what they believe, who they believe in, and who truly is in control over all of their provisions. No matter what religion you practice, it might be a time to revisit that higher being; especially in these frightful times.