Tuesday, December 9, 2008

personal epiphany

So, I was bringing Tyler home today, and Parker and I were listening to Christmas songs on the radio and the song "Silver Bells" came on.... For once, I really listened to the lyrics:

City sidewalks busy sidewalks
dressed in holiday style
In the air there's a feeling of Christmas
Children laughing - people passing - meeting smile after smile
And on every street corner you hear
Silver bells - silver bells
it's Christmas time in the city
Ring a ling - hear them ring
soon it will be Christmas Day
Strings of street lights even stop lights
blink a bright red and green
As the shoppers rush home with their treasures
Hear the snow crunch - see the kids bunch
this is Santa's big scene......

STOP. WAIT. "As the shoppers rush home with their treasures" Treasures? Treasures? Isn't that a bit of a strong word to use to describe a gift? And then I tried to rationalize it thinking that well maybe they got wicked good deals and so in that respect they are proud and they consider them treasures. However, I don't think that is the case.

Why is so much emphasis put on things of this world, especially around Christmastime? Do they not know it matters not what you store up on earth because you can't take it to Heaven.

So, as Christmas approaches I challenge you to really take the time and put the emphasis back where it belongs, on the birth of our Savior!

7 comments:

Ashley said...

I've been thinking about that so much lately too. It's amazing to me that people can get such joy out of material items... but rarely do we see people get that excited about their family or their faith.

Anonymous said...

While I can see your point, I feel the need to point out that on that first Christmas so many years ago, the wise men presented the Christ child with 'treasures'. I think that finding the right 'treasure' - be it a dollar-store trinket or a new car/house - for a family member or friend is a part of the joy that fills the holiday season and helps us all remember those who gave gifts to Christ. At least it is for me.

Unknown said...

I agree that our treasure should be in heaven and agree that this world is way to materialistic. However, when I find a gift for someone that I know they will love and am so excited to give it to them I do look at it as a treasure. The gift of giving is a treasure. And good point anonymous about the wise men!

Holly Steffen said...

I see your point about the wise men... but the point of the post was that i was listening to the song and it reminded me to put the emphasis back where it belongs- on christ.

And about the wise men, they brought him gifts because he was the 'new born king' and the savior. not simply because he was born or bc it was the first christmas. so, i guess if we really wanted to celebrate the meaning of gifts like at the first christmas we would be giving gifts to the savior instead of each other.

Holly Steffen said...

but, i love you all (even you mom!) so, thank you for your posts!!! =]

Anonymous said...

My treasures at christmas are my family. So, when I hear that song, I would be rushing home with Parker and my wife as my treasures.

-Brian

Unknown said...

Nicely put, Brian!