Something has always really bothered me about Black Friday. It somehow seems wrong to celebrate with gratitude all we have been blessed with by God on Thanksgiving...and then go out on a shopping rampage the next day. I know I am one of the very few people on earth who seem to feel this way, but the whole concept of Black Friday is jarring to my soul. Don't get me wrong -- I am as tempted as anyone by a super sale. It is a matter of timing. Since families gather on Thanksgiving, it seems the time they have to spend together enjoying the bountiful grace of God should not be spent in crowds of people ready to bludgeon each other to death for the limited xboxes at 90% off.
I usually set up the Christmas tree on Black Friday. I like the continuity of the focus on the season of celebrating Jesus. I like to light a fire in the fireplace, and play Christmas music. I love to set up my Christmas tree and lovingly place the crystal ornaments that came from my mother's tree. She and Dad don't set up a Christmas tree anymore. It is too difficult as they grow older. So I try to make my Christmas tree as close to the spectacular beauty of hers each year, and remember the magic I felt as a child gazing at those lights reflecting so much joy and anticipation.
I didn't know Jesus as a child, but I think deep inside my soul, He
was known nonetheless. That anticipation was more than just a greedy delight in all the presents I knew would be forthcoming. It was an anticipation of hope, of something much better than what was now visible, a belief in a place where the aches of life would be soothed, and a light much brighter than that on the tree would light the way.
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Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world.
Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of
life.”
The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have
fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us
from all sin.
In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they
may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light
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