I get a lot of well-intended messages from Christians about the excess commercialism of Christmas. I don't disagree entirely...except this:
Then Mary took a twelve-ounce jarb of expensive perfume made from essence of nard, and she anointed Jesus’ feet with it, wiping his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance. But Judas Iscariot, the disciple who would soon betray him, said, “That perfume was worth a year’s wages. It should have been sold and the money given to the poor.” John 12:3-5
Is blessing someone through a gift so different? As Judas points out, there have always been many 'noble' ways to pass on what we own. Yet, if we are called to be Christlike, and to view others as incarnations of Christ on earth, then both giving and receiving is, in fact, quite holy, quite beautiful, and quite loving.
Stinginess has no such positive attributes. Nor does judgement.
Merry Christmas!!!
Then Mary took a twelve-ounce jarb of expensive perfume made from essence of nard, and she anointed Jesus’ feet with it, wiping his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance. But Judas Iscariot, the disciple who would soon betray him, said, “That perfume was worth a year’s wages. It should have been sold and the money given to the poor.” John 12:3-5
Is blessing someone through a gift so different? As Judas points out, there have always been many 'noble' ways to pass on what we own. Yet, if we are called to be Christlike, and to view others as incarnations of Christ on earth, then both giving and receiving is, in fact, quite holy, quite beautiful, and quite loving.
Stinginess has no such positive attributes. Nor does judgement.
Merry Christmas!!!