A Plea for Balance

by Charles R. Swindoll

Read Proverbs 25:16

Dr. Seuss wasn't thinking of me when he wrote How the Grinch Stole Christmas!

Charles Dickens would not have asked me to play Scrooge in his A Christmas Carol. In spite of what you may read . . . remember that I'm not anti-Christmas, nor do I brandish the overused bumper sticker, "Put Christ Back into Christmas." Our family has a tree every year. We exchange presents, play Christmas CDs, sing carols, enjoy the festivities, and even wish a few people "Merry Christmas." Believe me---I have no bone to pick with the yuletide season, unless it's off the turkey.

But you'll have to agree, the season is not without its unique problems and temptations. Our lovely land of plenty drifts dangerously near insanity three or four weeks every year, and it is to that issue I'd like to address myself.

There is a "cosmic lure" to Christmas in contemporary America---a compelling something that draws many like a magnet. Emotions, unpredictable and undisciplined, begin to run wild. Nostalgia mixed with eleven months of guilt can prompt purchases that are illogical and extravagant.

Neighborhood pressure can cause houses to be strung with hundreds of lights. Television advertising, Christmas bank accounts, and special "wish books" only increase the pull of the magnet that inevitably ends with the sound of the cash register or the hollow snap of the credit card.

I remind you . . . I'm not against the basic idea of Christmas nor the beauty of the scenery. My plea is for common sense and balance; that's all. Tomorrow, I'll mention how we Christians can be alert to the dangers of the season . . . and then think through a strategy that allows us to combat each one.

n, �  y o � � (ʴ ovide a meal to a less fortunate family. Go Christmas caroling to the home of an elderly person. Give presents to children in the hospital. Do something that has more value than that of a price tag.

Some people talk about getting into the "holiday spirit" and while some people may interpret the meaning of that spirit differently. God tells us two holiday spirits He desires for us to have.

Spirit of Obedience. Jesus shows in Luke 2 that while He was growing and maturing, a time came in His life when He and His parents traveled to Jerusalem for Passover. As they were there, He spent time in the Temple, ministering to people and conversing with the religious leaders. While Joseph and Mary questioned His actions, Jesus made clear His intentions: "How is it that ye sought me? Wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?"

Jesus was obedient to the Father's business even while much activity was going on about Him. God guided His steps, and Jesus obeyed. Where is God guiding your steps this season? Does He want you to witness to a friend, family member, or someone you've met? Have the holiday spirit of obedience this time of year. Be tender to God's will and obey His every leading.

Spirit of Giving. While some people are focused on what they will receive this year, focus on what you can give. Jesus' entire life on earth was characterized by giving. He came to give. He gave sight to the blind, strength to the weak, life to the dead, hope to the discouraged, and joy to the sad. Ultimately, He came to give us eternal life.

Ask God what you can give others this year. You might not have much but as God leads you, be willing to give to those who have even less than you. The gift doesn't have to be much, but the heart you put into it makes all the difference. Remain open to God's plan for you this season and exhibit the true holiday spirit of obedience and giving.