Where do your TRUE values lie? (Euro-American)

Description: A review of the article: “Do you take your values Christmas shopping?” found at: http://www.uscatholic.org/culture/social-justice/2008/07/do-you-take-your-values-christmas-shopping.

This article addresses a true concern in American society. Specifically, what is the true meaning of Christmas? Are we all about the shopping and spending, about the fancy gifts and the pictures with ‘Santa’? Or, do we stop and consider that the coolest toy might be made under horrible working conditions by people that are way underpaid and undervalued? And, do we allow ourselves to have the true spirit of Christmas robbed from us by having a horrible shopping experience? –This article gives good insight into such questions and reminds us rightly that this season is a time (as Christians) that we “prepare for Christ’s coming”. We can keep Christ in Christmas by giving charitable donations, making more meaningful homemade gifts, limiting the amount of gifts given, and most of all remembering to PRAY during this most joyous time of the year!

Summary: The assigned reading for this week takes a look at American consumerist culture. A look at how we have become a culture that thrives on overspending and on acquisitions of material possessions that we think make us “happy”. As one article in the text states, “we are tempted to feel that buying something will solace our suffering [and]…remedy the past” (article 2). Given that America has enjoyed great economic prosperity in the past…it is easy to see how we have fallen into such a lifestyle and mindset. However, given the modern economic condition that we face…it stands to benefit each of us if we STOP and consider whether what we value materialistically is what is truly important in our individual lives…and for our common future.

The loss of Christ in Christmas has long been a concern of mine. Year after year, I am reminded of how much of a consumerist society we truly are. Society…presses you to say “Happy Holidays”…and looks down on those who say “Merry Christmas”. As if we are somehow being un-inclusive or insensitive by mentioning and having a joy for Christ. –It’s as if we have to “mask” our faith in order to celebrate it openly. Just look at Easter…it is all about candy and the Easter Bunny for many. Why can’t it just be about Christ? Anyway, this article makes some good points. I encourage you all to read it as you have time. It might shed some light on the many secular-consumerist people you know ;-)