Reason & Season
It's Christmas Time! Joy to the World! Feliz Navidad!
I am excited about the holiday season and what 2006 will bring. So far, I'm spending Christmas morning sending and receivind text messages and emails. I didn't get to finish my shopping so I'm putting off going to my family's house empty handed. I've been coming up with a reason. I'm not into Christmas anymore. I'm celebrating Kwanzaa this year. Since most black folks don't know what day we should celebrate our "Christmas" I'm gonna say it's December 29th. That will give me enough time to get my gifts.
Speaking of gifts, Christmas, and spending money, I've been thinking about this season and what it really means. I've decided that I don't want to exchange presents. I would rather give a gift to someone who cannot return one. Therefore, I've sent presents to my Grandmother and Grandfather, my little brothers, and my best friend's kid's. I've gotten presents from people who I will not return a gift to. It makes me feel uncomfortable, but all new decision do. Therefore, if you are reading this and contemplating getting me a gift, please don't. I'd rather you spend the time and energy to give the money to the less fortunate.
To this point, I've been engaging in several conversations about socialism versus capitalism, the founding of our nation, and Jesus. How do these subjects relate? They do, and I hope that others will discuss these subjects this season to gain insight into why we do what we do.
First of all, I will submit that Jesus had a socialist leaning. He challenged Jewish authority in favor of the less fortunate. When the wealthy man asked Jesus how could he get into heaven, Jesues replied to give all of his belongings away and follow him. When the wealthy man admitted that he could not, Jesus said that it was easier for a camel to get through the eye of a needle than a rich man to enter heaven.
So while we celebrate this season and some people are in such great positions economically, I think that gift giving should be done with this in mind. I have admitted being a capitalist. The beauty of this system is that it quickens development. Our nation has developed so much because of this system. Opportunity spurned those who wanted a better life to pursue it for themselves. However, we have developed into a nation of haves and have nots that are becoming farther and farther apart. The only way to make this great system work is to take a component of socialism around this season when we celebrate our Saviour's birthday. Let's take time to give to the less fortunate and less time exchanging gifts.
Therefore, while you're thinking about what I'm gonna get Malcolm, STOP IT!!! Give to the needy. It will make me feel more comfortable, because believe me, if I ever become needy and can't reciprocate, I would appreciate some free heartedness! Peace and blessings!!!
posted by Malcolm Sykes @ 8:17 AM
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