Midweek guest writer "Is this what Christmas is about?"

When I heard the disturbing incidents of this past weekend I was outraged by our human behavior and how businesses play upon our human behaviors. I have been very upset by the comercialization of Christmas and other HOLY days and found it necessary to voice it on an Amish blog which spoke similarly. Pastor Alex who writes Pastor's Corner requested that I share the message I gave on that blog. If you are interested you can visit this Amish blog site by clicking on the title link.

Amish Gifts;

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Submitted by editorkevin on 29 November 2008 - 2:15pm.
Ugh, I battle the same "mall blahs" year after year. In today's world of suburban sprawl, big-box stores, and retail sameness, it is more and more difficult to find truly unique gifts. One even has to be wary while shopping small Amish stores. Some places, even Amish-run stores, offer gifts that are mass-produced items made in China but packaged to look more quaint. But this is an article that caught my eye out of a small paper in Pennsylvania. Sheesh, if anyone is near this store it sounds like there are some really unique, authentic Amish-made items that would make great gifts.


Re: Amish Gifts;
Submitted by staib18 on 29 November 2008 - 7:02pm.
I am also disgusted with the malls and the big box stores and in a time of finding more meaning in life I find myself even more disgusted by the behavior of people who go mad shopping at 3:00 AM and the stores who not overtly support the behavior. I'm referring to the trampling to death of a man in Walmart in NYC. Was the savings worth a man's life? Is that what Christmas is all about to these people? Will these junk gifts from China last the year? Is it meaningful? Does it express the Love we have for our family and friends, those in need? God? Jesus? No! I was talking about this to someone today and she is encouraging her family to give the gift of self. Is that more meaningful? Does a gift have to have physical value to pass the mustard? I surely hope not.

I will end this by saying that I am seeking the more meaningful in life-gifts that will last beyond the local dump. What can I do for someone, my loved ones that they will remember, that God will remember for an eternity.