If the early signs of this economic recession should teach us anything, let it teach us that borrowing and spending is dangerous. Spending money does not give joy and peace. Debt is dangerous. It gives worry and financial uncertainty.
Already this Christmas season, you are hearing the politicians and pundits tell you that the “patriotic” thing to do is to spend your money for the holidays. Don’t hold back. If this economy is ever going to recover, they say, American consumers must not be afraid to spend money. The problem, of course, is that American consumers have consumed themselves into poverty. They are broke. The only way we’ll be able to do what the politicians tell us is to put it on plastic and pay for the cost in 2009 (plus interest!).
This is patriotic? Please.
America is in trouble right now because we have personally and nationally borrowed money and spent it at alarming rates. We are borrowed to the hilt. So, don’t expect that we will get out of this trouble by doing yet more of what caused the trouble in the first place. It is time for a dose of reality. It’s time to break the cycle. The bottom line: we need to re-commit ourselves to these things:
- Instead of adding to our debt, start paying it off.
- Start living on a lot less than our income. Don’t spend money on luxuries, especially if you have to borrow money to do it. Live a simple life and, yes, be frugal!
- Start saving your money.
I’m sorry, but President Bush will not solve this problem. Barack Obama will not solve this problem. Cutting interest rates will not solve this problem. Bailing our Wall Street will not solve this problem. Government stimulus checks will not solve this problem. The truth is these things will probably make the problem worse. The problem will be solved only when we as individuals begin to live like our grandparents lived. Work hard. Save. Don’t buy something until you actually have the money. Delay gratification.
So, this Christmas season, I want to urge you to remember that a joyful and peaceful Christmas does not depend on the number of gifts you buy your children or the fancy dress you buy for the office party or the volume of decorations on your front lawn. You could cut back. You could say, “no thanks, maybe next year.” You could just stay in your warm home, brew some hot cider, and play a board game with your children. They don’t need the hustle and bustle; they need you. You are the best Christmas gift you can give them.
Just so you know, December shopping sprees and excess are not the same as “holiday spirit.” Being frugal does not mean you are a Grinch. This year, rather than join in with the world in their spending sprees, give yourself permission to focus upon the true peace and joy of the season, the incarnation of the Lord Jesus Christ. Come to church. Sing Christmas carols and hymns. Read the Christmas story to your children and grand-children. Eat the body and blood of Jesus. Kick back in your easy chair and reflect upon the mercy of our God in the Christ-child. Visit someone in the hospital or a nursing home. Reach out to those who are spending this Christmas without their beloved. These things don’t make it into Toys R’ Us commercials, but they are what “holiday spirit” is all about. Wishing you, then, a blessed Christmas indeed.
