Black Friday Musings

As I'm sure I've mentioned and as my three faithful readers know (Hi, guys!), I work in the Christian retail industry. Honestly, if I had my druthers, I'd rather not be affiliated with it but, at this point in time, it seems to be the place where the good Lord has planted me and where I'm to be for the time being. But, either way, I've had some general misgivings surrounding the concept of Christian retail around the Christmas season.

It's no secret that the Christmas season is known as the time where stores make a huge ton of money, hence the label of the day after Thanksgiving, "Black Friday", so named as the point at which retailers make the push out of the red into the black of profits. This is no different in the Christian industry. Yet, I wonder if this ought to be so. Now, I'm not totally condemning capitalism as a system nor saying that it is improper or sinful for Christian business owners to make money during this time of year. But, there seems to be a bit of a paradox inherent in the system at work. Let me explain.

Most Christians, and most people for that matter, realize that Christmas is a celebration of the birth of Christ, the coming of the promised Messiah. Many will tell you of their frustration with the commercialization of the holiday, of the focus being placed upon gift giving and Santa Claus and "Happy Holidays" rather than upon the Christ child himself. Christian booksellers across the nation, and perhaps even the world sell buttons and ornamental items and whatnot emblazoned with slogans like "Jesus is the Reason for the Season", and "Keep Christ in Christmas". Now, I agree with these things to a degree. We do celebrate Christmas because of the birth of Christ and I think it's foolish to try and separate the two.

However...That's right. You knew it was coming. Well, here it is. Do we not make ourselves complicit in the commercialization of the season by selling these very products? By prepping for the rush and opening our doors early to the hordes of shoppers? Are our "Black Friday" sales geared toward, as some would say, spreading the good news or with breaking a profit margin? All too often I think that our eyes have shifted from God to mammon. It's not a conscious decision but it is a decision that has been made nonetheless.

My prayer is this. Please enjoy the season of Christmas. Rejoice in the times of fellowship with family and friends. Please partake in the rituals of giving and receiving gifts in honor of the One who was born so long ago. But, somewhere along the way, take a few moments and analyze the "why's" of what you're doing. Are you stressed out, frustrated, and overspent financially and physically? If so, you might need to do a motive check. Are you focused on what you're getting for Christmas this year? If so, you're either a teenager or someone who is struggling with selfishness and greed. Take time out and savor the moment and look to help someone in need. Allow this season to merely be a kickstart to that kind of lifestyle as we push forward toward the New Year. And, most of all, make Christmas about Christ. Don't make it about a bottom line, a profit margin, or pushing an agenda. Instead, let the amazing truth of the Incarnation sweep over you like a cool breeze, carrying you away to a place of love and grace that truly sets itself apart as the greatest story ever told.