December begins a "shopping frenzy" that will last until the first week in January. While we understand that the religious celebration of Christmas is no where commanded in God's word, it is still a time for families to get together and exchange gifts and greetings. Children love and anticipate this time of year to see what "Santa" will leave under their trees. My purpose is not to write about the pro's and con's of how we handle December 25 (for many folks, this celebration has nothing to do with religion). Some who don't exchange gifts on the 25th do so on New Year's Day. I want to address a different problem-letting God foot the holiday bills-that this season brings.
The prophet Malachi addressed the problem of God's people "shortchanging" Him. "Will a man rob God? Yet, you have robbed Me! But you say, In what way have we robbed You? In tithes and offerings." {Malachi 3:8} God's people were guilty of offering the sick, lame, and diseased on God's altar. God refused to accept such sacrifices. How, then, can God's people rob Him during this time of year?
In many congregations of the Lord's people, the December contribution is less than it is in other months. Why? Where do we get the money to buy gifts for our children and grandchildren and food for the dinners, to pay travel expenses, and for other out-of-pocket expenses? Some actually cut back on (or skip all together) their contributions to help defray the additional expenses. The question that begs for an answer is: how could one say God comes first in his life if His work takes second place to the holiday season.
"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." {Romans 12:1,2} Those who are in the world may be able to rationalize cutting God's portion to pay holiday expenses-but brethren who love God and are committed to His work must put Him first!
Another problem some face is handling visiting relatives during the holidays. What if Christmas and New Year's Day happen to fall on Wednesday? Do we just skip the Wednesday night Bible class? Or if the holiday is on Thursday, do we miss Wednesday evening and travel in order to enable a timely arrival at our destination? If family members, who are not members of the church, come to our home, do we invite them to come with us or stay at home with them? Such choices clearly exhibit to our families, our children, our brethren, and God what is truly important in our lives. Some of us forget about our commitment to God during the holidays.
God's people must always be busy influencing others to put God first in their lives. The holidays present a wonderful opportunity to practice what we preach. If you go away, don't neglect to worship with the saints as you would if you were at home. If you intend to spend extra money during December, save for it prior to the holidays-don't let God pay for your holiday. Brethren, God expects our commitment 365 days a year, and we can't take off during December and still call it true commitment!