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The American Way
I used to love to shop on Black Friday. Getting up at four in the morning had always been fun. The people who are out and about were usually nice and friendly. Too bad the past couple of years have been spoiled by some of the stores opening on Thanksgiving. Then there are the horror stories of those who 
get violent just to ensure they come away with a good deal.
We sit in church on Sunday, give thanks on Thursday, then punch someone on Friday because of something on sale.
I can’t imagine wanting a material possession to the point I’d hurt others physically to get it. We should be more focused on giving than getting. But that is no longer the American way. Our priorities have changed, unfortunately, to the detriment of others, in order to make ourselves feel better. I have little doubt most of those people doing the shoving, hitting, and clawing are also not buying for another, but for themselves as well.
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And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in the latest styles from Old Navy, and laid him in a shopping cart, because they were waiting in line to get into Walmart. – Adam Kotsko
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What has happened to our priorities? We no longer do things with the mind frame that we’re celebrating Jesus’ birth. Instead, it’s about getting the biggest and the best for the least amount, no matter who it affects. When did this become a nation of “It’s all about me?” It should be “all about Him.”
Jesus said in John 15:12 “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you…”
Will your actions this Black Friday show your love for one another, or your greed to get something for yourself? How many of those people fighting over stuff will also be again sitting in church next Sunday forgetting their actions? Well, God won’t forget.
Let’s make a pact that we will keep Jesus in the forefront of our minds this Christmas season. Before we purchase anything, pray whether the item is something that’s really needed, especially if you are buying it for yourself. Before we go to someone’s house to celebrate, pray that your actions do not become an embarrassment to Him. And before you sit down to eat, pray for those who don’t have any food.
Ask God to show you where your priorities are, and keep your sights on Him. If we all forcus on Jesus, chances are there will be no news stories about violence during Black Friday this holiday season.
If you or someone you know are in need of prayer this week, please leave a comment. We’d be more than happy to pray for you. And if this post moved you in some way, please feel free to share it.
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Unfortunately, fewer and fewer people know the reason, history or traditions behind any holiday anymore. If it’s a Christian holiday, that works for them; if it’s a historical holiday, it also works for them. Time off to think more about themselves and do something for themselves – which makes it pretty much like all the other days of the year. But in the majority of situations, employers now get to pay them to do it. What a deal!!!
That is so true, Anna. Our traditions are slowly sliding away.
The name “Black Friday” says it all. It’s about retail stores making their annual profits and getting out of the red for the year. I, too, loved to shop the day after Thanksgiving and kick off the Christmas season browsing and listening to piped-in holiday music. Now I hibernate at home and eat turkey leftovers.
You are so right about our priorities! Wishing you a merry Christmas, Kathy.
Thanks, Cheryl. Merry Christmas to you also.