This will be my last commercial Christmas, at least for a while. Because of a somewhat major change next year, which I’ll tell you more about in a week, I won’t be participating in Christmas the same way I have been for most of my life.
- Next year, I won’t buy presents.
- Next year, I won’t receive them.
Instead…
- Next year, I’ll give.
- Next year, I’ll donate.
So instead of buying presents, I’ll give away stuff I already have. And instead of receiving presents, I’ll donate whatever’s given to me.
But overall, I’ll trim everything back, and in the process help others do the same.
In the Bible when the angels arrived to tell the shepherds that Jesus had been born, they said, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace…”
Instead of the rush to exchange gifts, gifts that no one needs and in many cases no one really wants, I’d like to give peace. Or at least point in that direction.
Marshall, you are a remarkable, ‘thought-full’, man, and I understand this idea completely. There is joy, immense, immeasurable, and a pure joy in celebrating this way. I’ve done something similar, not exactly the same, in the past and slowed the season down quite a lot this year. The result for me is a more contemplative, meditative season on who Jesus is and what he means to me.
~ blessings
Why thank you!
I think a number of people have cut back this year. We’ll see how it goes next year. I think maybe I just need a few seasons to pass without all the hustle and bustle. I’m looking forward to it, even though I’ve definitely enjoyed all my previous Christmases so far too.
-Marshall Jones Jr.
P. S. Merry Christmas!