It was today, beginning in most stores around 4 A.M. or earlier, as the busiest shopping day of the year descended upon us, thus ending Thanksgiving and beginning the holiday season.
Thus it begins ....
The buy-me-this-buy-me-that-gimme-gimme-get me-get me-I-want-more stigma has settled on America and Canada once again for the next month, as Christmas fast approaches. But as the craziness, the busyness, the frazzledness, the pure mayhem threatens to distort our true image of Christmas, I encourage you now, don't set your mind on what is on this earth (Colossians 3:2). Instead, lift your eyes to the humble manger where a sinless Baby lay. Lift your eyes to the cross, where that sinless Baby, who had become a holy, righteous Man, yet still the image of God, died for the sins of His people. Lift your eyes to the empty tomb, where that Man rose from the dead and conquered sin and death. And lift your eyes to the heavens, where Christ Jesus reigns victoriously at the right hand of the Father.
So as the busy holiday season begins, let's remember, my friends, to "set ... our minds on what is above, not on what is on the earth." (Colossians 3:2)