We spend more than necessary these days because it's Christmas. The word is synonymous with spending because businesses made it that way. It's their idea, really, not God's. And in a broader sense, the celebration is pagan in origin. Honestly, there's nothing in the Bible about celebrating Christmas, especially the way we do today.
This fact alone should give us powerful self control on silly spending this Season. We don't need to spend anything big or special because it's just another day. Only religion and businesses treat it special for their own benefit, and the benefit is always money. You're probably wondering how religion makes money out of it. Well, churches present their Christmas programs in extravagant ways to attract people and get more members. More members equals bigger church income.
But a lot of things about Christmas is pagan. Santa, Christmas tree, Christmas balls and even celebrating it on December 25. If you're a Jesus believer, why spend on these things? I believe that if Jesus were alive today he wouldn't give a damn about it. It's never commanded in the Bible to celebrate Christmas. Or any feasts for that matter because today, as Jesus believers, we fulfill all laws and requirements in the Old Testament, not by actually doing or celebrating them, but by merely being in Christ. He is the end or fulfillment of the law.
On the other hand, it's not bad to give gifts to people. Just give, if you have anything to give. I and my wife give gifts, not because it's Christmas, but because it's good to give. It's God-like to do so. If people greet me "Merry Christmas" I greet them back, not meaning at all the Christmas Season, but the coming of Christ to fulfill God's plan. But I never initiate greeting people with that.
Much more with spending a lot because it's Christmas. No reason why.
Some folks question me about getting my Christmas bonus and 13th month if I don't believe in Christmas. Well, it's stipulated in the law. I can't do anything about it. It's my right as far as the law is concerned. Repeal the law and I won't have any problem about it. But since I get my bonus and 13th month, I spend them only on what's according to the Word. I remember Jesus receiving the costly oil perfume from a prostitute. Where do you think did she get the money to buy it with? But Jesus just received it anyway.
So, if you genuinely believe the Gospel, you'd have powerful self control never to spend money needlessly and stupidly in December.
