Weekly Devotional – 12.13.09
Less is more—that’s the idea from which the Christmas conspiracy to save mankind was hatched. The king who came with less would rule better than the ones with more. The one who was revealed to the ‘least of these’ would be later be known as the greatest. The one who showed up to a few would one day be worshiped by all.
But this idea is counter-intuitive. Simple math tells us the opposite, that more is more. The more you spend, the more it must be worth. The more we receive, the more we must be worth. It’s counter-intuitive, but it’s how God entered into humanity to bring salvation to us all.
There was a couple that was once asked how they celebrated Christmas since they each made millions of dollars every year. And after smiling at each other, waiting for the other to speak, the wife finally shared that they’ve made it a rule that they can only spend $5 on each other during Christmas. And while that might seem like a harsh limitation, they actually talked about how it made them look forward to Christmas that much more. Because they knew their gifts, which were usually creative and quite personal, while costing no more than $5, would be worth much more than $5. This couple who could afford to buy anything, longed for something more than what money alone could buy.
As you celebrate Christmas this year, how can less be more? Spending less time shopping so that you can have more time to experience God? Buying fewer gifts so that you focus on giving more meaningful, more relational gifts? Spending less money on gifts so that you can give more of it away to those in real need? A simpler Christmas can make a more worshipful Christmas. A simpler Christmas can make a more meaningful and memorable Christmas. How can less be more for you this Christmas?
Pray slowly, meditating on the words as you do…
My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me—holy is his name. His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, even as he said to our fathers.
-- Mary’s prayer, after the angel visits with news about Jesus (Luke 1:46-55)
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