Spend LessQuick question for you: What was the one gift you remember getting for Christmas last year? Next question: What about the fourth gift? Do you remember that one? Truth is many of us don’t because it wasn’t something we necessarily wanted or needed. Spending Less isn’t a call to stop giving gifts; it’s a call to stop spending money on gifts we won’t remember in less than a year. America spends around $600 billion dollars during the Christmas season, and much of that it joyless and goes right onto a credit card. By spending wisely on gifts we free ourselves from the anxiety associated with debt so we can take in the season with a full heart.
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"Spend Less" in 1:40
Pope Francis on Spending Less
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The great danger in today’s world, pervaded as it is by consumerism, is the desolation and anguish born of a complacent yet covetous heart, the feverish pursuit of frivolous pleasures, and a blunted conscience. Whenever our interior life becomes caught up in its own interests and concerns, there is no longer room for others, no place for the poor. God’s voice is no longer heard, the quiet joy of his love is no longer felt, and the desire to do good fades. This is a very real danger for believers too. Many fall prey to it, and end up resentful, angry and listless. That is no way to live a dignified and fulfilled life; it is not God’s will for us, nor is it the life in the Spirit which has its source in the heart of the risen Christ. Pope Francis
The beginning of The Joy of the Gospel |
Alternative Giving Ideas
Find alternative, more relational Christmas giving ideas on the following sites:
What Would Jesus Buy?
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In 2007, the film What Would Jesus Buy? followed anti-consumerism crusader Reverend Billy and the Church of Stop Shopping Gospel Choir as it went on a cross-country mission to "save Christmas from the Shopocalypse (the end of humankind from consumerism, over-consumption and the fires of eternal debt.)"
The Rev. Billy's over-the-top tongue-in-cheek approach is amusing, but also makes a serious point about what consumerism is doing to our country. |
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Reflection Questions
Discuss these with family, friends, and/or in your parish community. The questions were written for children & families, but generally work for all.
Spend Less1. Talk about a time when you didn’t get what you wanted for Christmas. How did you feel?
2. Now, talk about a time when you got exactly what you wanted! How did you feel then? How long was it before you were tired of the present you got? 3. Do you think people could worship things? How? Why? 4. When you see a commercial about something that you don’t have, how does it make you feel? Do you think that your feelings are true? How can you protect yourself from feeling that way? Engaging the wordJames 5:1-6
1. What are the specific sins that are in this passage? What happens when someone puts their trust in money and things? a. Has this ever happened to you? Have you ever gotten something new, but then got tired of it and wanted something else? Tell us about that. Matthew 6:19-24 2. What is the difference between an earthly treasure and a heavenly treasure? a. Do you think that the way you spend money says something about your heart and what you think is important? Why? How can you stay focused on God during Christmas? |
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Unwrapping the Message
1. Do you know what “going overboard” with something means? It means that you do something too much or go to the extreme. How do people go overboard with different things during Christmas?
2. If someone always got everything they wanted at Christmas, what do you think that would teach him or her about being content with what he or she has? What do you think he or she would think about Christmas?
2. If someone always got everything they wanted at Christmas, what do you think that would teach him or her about being content with what he or she has? What do you think he or she would think about Christmas?
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