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Christ or Consumerism?
Some shops are to be open 24 hours a day in Belfast before the Christmas holiday. What an orgy of spending we are encouraged to support! Already in our society the 'Temples of Mammon' multiply in every large town. Here, the modern family can 'worship' as they adore the creative skills of men and they can share fellowship around the coffee table. They can relax and promenade, even in winter, in centrally heated malls, seven days a week. The ringing of the cash till has drowned out the singing of the children.
Is this the way to happiness or personal satisfaction? I think not. Those who have not are made to feel even more impoverished. Many are persuaded by children, pressured by TV advertisements, to go deeply into debt. Thousands more, living on the edge 11 months per year, are pushed over into utter desperation in the midst of this spending spree.
This Christmas, I call upon all who wish to honour Christ, to look again at their priorities and values. Since all that we have is a solemn trust from Him, are we acting as good stewards of His generosity? We must be careful not to allow the world to squeeze us into the mould of its thinking.
Christ calls His disciples to be distinctively different. How we celebrate Christmas gives us a glorious opportunity to demonstrate that distinctiveness, and that in a practical way, which will not only glorify the Christ, but will bring much needed help to the poor, marginalised, hungry and homeless in our world.
May you each have a Christmas rich with true joy in sharing and caring in the Saviour's Name.
Dr John Dixon, Presbyterian Moderator.
Issued by Stephen Lynas, Presbyterian Information Services. Info@PresbyterianIreland.org
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