To Consume or Not to Consume
Post-Thanksgiving posts are always fun for me because we're also getting into the Advent season, which is one of my favorite times of the year! But unless you have been living under a rock, you've noticed that the Incarnation, the Coming of Our Lord has become more and more secularized every year.
In the past week I have been hearing a lot of concerns about the items that are on the shelves this year with pleas to "buy this" or "gimme that." Jesus, Mary and Joseph are taken out of the picture. Even saying "Merry Christmas" can get you into hot water. But advertisements saying "Naughty is the New Nice" or "I Want More" are perfectly acceptable.
Year after year we engage in the argument surrounding keeping Christ in Christmas. For the most part, I personally let those arguments slide choosing not to get involved because I don't want to start a fight. This year I feel a little differently. No, I'm not choosing to get up in arms with a fight. Instead, I want to do what Christians do best: Love...and celebrate!
I'm certain there are people out there questioning me. People have gotten it into their heads that Christians don't love; they judge. Christians aren't about freedom; they're about taking away everything fun. But as a Christian, I can say that those assumptions are anything but the truth. Instead of judgment, I see Christians who invite everyone to the table. I see people who are willing to give you the coats off of their back. I see people standing in line to bring meals and clean the homes of the sick. I see people serving the poorest of the poor and visiting the imprisoned. And these are just the Christians I know! I haven't even moved into the sainthood and martyr department yet! Every time I see these acts of kindness, I am reminded why we do what we do: We were loved first. The Creator of the world chose to come down to Earth and show us how it was done - and he came as a precious baby. So when the decision comes to celebrate or not celebrate, I have no choice. I MUST celebrate.
Don't get me wrong, I get frustrated with consumerist ads and erasing the true meaning of Christmas become the norm, but I refuse to let this celebration of God's love for us be taken away from me...or from anyone. And I want to do it the right way - by being a light that leads others to Christ. I want to do this through prayer (so I know how it's done!), through spending time with loved ones and writing Christmas cards, through relaxing with hot cocoa and a good book (because even God took time to rest!) yes, through gift giving. Even in this practice, I want to follow the example of God who gives good gifts. So, I will be bypassing the mall and popular stores. Instead, I'm supporting some of my favorite Catholic artists and businesses. Here are a few of my favorites:
1. Divine Twine - At World Youth Day in Krakow, one of my most favorite people in the world taught me how to make knotted rosaries. I was so proud of myself for catching on pretty quickly that when I got home I bought a bunch of twine and made rosaries. Now I make them as gifts for confirmation students. The twine is also fun for a craft night, so you also get quality time making something fun and a gift of prayer to someone you love!
2. Blessed is She - I cannot say enough about how much I love the Blessed is She ministry! I really think it's crucial for Catholic women to have a solid network of supportive women who pray with them and for them. I've found that with Blessed is She. From blogs to workshops and networking opportunities, I support everything from Blessed is She. That includes their devotionals, planners, and prints! This site has great gifts for your favorite girlfriends!
3. Leah Darrow - Leah Darrow is one of my favorite Catholic speakers, and she combats so much of what I think is wrong with advertising to females (especially our young ladies). Leah Darrow is a former contestant from America's Next Top Model, and now she is known nationally for speaking on modesty and chastity. I think her books, The Other Side of Beauty and Decent Exposure (co-written by Jessica Rey, owner of Rey Swimwear and Power Ranger! BTW, Rey Swimwear is also a great shop for modest swimwear and clothing.), make meaningful gifts for teens and young adults.
4. Brick House in the City - I learned about Brick House in the City during a Cyber Monday Catholic Shop Hop, and I am so glad I did! I've already placed two orders for prints and a t-shirt. The prints are all so encouraging, and I want to buy them all so I can plaster them all over my walls!
5. Homeboy Industries - If Leah Darrow is one of my favorite speakers, Fr. Gregory Boyle also ranks pretty high towards the top. I remember hearing him speak for the very first time at the LA Religious Education Congress about 6 years ago, and he moved me to tears. His message on compassion and kinship changed the way I look at people. During Christmastime, I especially love his reflection on his mother singing "O Holy Night." I don't think I can ever hear the words "Long lay the world in sin and error pining 'til He appeared and the soul felt its worth" His message on going out to the margins so that no one is left out of the Kingdom of God is an especially meaningful one during the holidays. His books and Homeboy Industries merchandise support gang rehabilitation.
6. Support a charity of your choice. There are so many great causes out there. Give a gift to one of them!
So there you have it...should we consume? No. But not because I don't believe in gift giving or celebrating. It's because consuming isn't enough. We are children of God; children of a King. That means we get to feast! ('Cause if you're going to do something, do it right!)