The Season of Brotherly Shove

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. – John 1:1-2

It’s the reason for the season, isn’t it: getting the best deal on presents to stuff under the tree? And at what cost? What’s the latest fad to hit the streets in time for Christmas this year? How can I let my son go even one more month without one? What kind of father would I be? And especially at such an amazingly low price!

Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it. – John 1:3-5

My wonderful daily commute takes me along the I-80 corridor past the Solano Mall and then down I-680 where I pass the Sun Valley Mall and a host of fine retail outlets. On a normal day, as I pass by these stores at 5:00 AM, the parking lots are deserted. Only a street sweeper might be spotted making laps around the asphalt.

There came a man who was sent from God; his name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all men might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world. – John 1:6-9

But not today: not on the day after Thanksgiving. This morning, parking lots were jam packed with cars and people. This morning, people actually alit from their warm comfortable beds…to go shopping! At five in the morning! Some of them camped there all night. What did they give thanks for yesterday?

He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God. – John 1:10-13

I don’t know why it amazes me. It happens every year. Tonight on the news, we’ll be treated to store security camera footage of otherwise normal men and women - seemingly decent human beings - trampling over each other, ripping items from each other’s hands, and pushing each other out of the way to grab that one last "thing" they just have to have for Christmas. The scene from our church Christmas play last year would not have been so funny were it not so grounded in reality. If we’re lucky, nobody will get shot. If we’re lucky…

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. – John 1:14

Oh, that’s right…it’s Christmas. It’s the time we celebrate the birth of Christ. It’s the time we set aside to honor our Lord and Savior, the One who died on the cross so that we might live. He brought us grace, truth, and love. And He paid for it at the cross.

From what deprived materialistic state of mind did we create the day we proudly refer to as Black Friday? Yes, there were Christians in the crowds this morning. Materialism isn’t lost on us. I guess that’s what makes it sadder in my mind.

When the boxes are opened Christmas morning, and elation turns to disappointment, will it have been worth it? When we discover the electronic Tomagachi Pet we just had to have is as boring as watching the grass grow, will we be proud of ourselves?

Only 32 days until the after Christmas sales begin. Am I the Grinch Who Stole Christmas, or what?

Surely, our Lord wept at the spectacle we made of ourselves today.