2 Peter 2:3
And in their greed they will exploit you with deceptive words. Their condemnation, pronounced against them long ago, has not been idle, and their destruction is not asleep.
Commercials.
They're everywhere we turn. Especially, at this season of the year.
Buy this! Buy that!
It's the latest! You'll look better! Feel better!
Cosmetics. Clothes. Cars (with red satin bows). Toys! Toys! Toys!
The ones your kids can't live without.
And, jewelry out the wazoo . . . Hey, guys, "every kiss begins with Kay".
And, then, there are those infomercials with their so-called bargains . . .
"Only $19.95!"
"Now, how much would you pay?"
"But, wait! There's more!"
Oh, you can bet on that! More commercials, more advertisements, more trash than one can tolerate. On our televisions. On our radios. On the internet. In our mailboxes.
All exhorting us to spend, spend, spend!
Promising us we, and our loved ones, will be happy, complete, fulfilled if we do.
And, if we don't?
Well, forget that kiss under the mistletoe this year. Forget the bear-hugs of gratitude from your kids. Forget about a joyous Christmas day . . .
Because, as these ads would have us believe, Christmas is all about parting with cash. Buying affection. Granting wishes.
Whether we can afford to or not . . .
And, they appeal to the base nature of greed in all of us.
Yes, you heard me right.
It's easy to call the retailers "greedy" with all their pushing and promoting of merchandise. The reality is, though, none of these ads can affect us unless we let them. We are the ones who must make the choice whether or not to fall victim to their ploys and chump to their champ.
If you are finding commercials too enticing this season, try this: Turn off the television. Unplug the radio. Limit your time on the internet. Don't peruse the junk mail.
And, remember what Christmas is really about . . .
Readings
Psalms 119:49-72
Isaiah 9:8-17
2 Peter 2:1-10a
Mark 1:1-8
If I see one more infomercial I’m taking the axe to my TV. You are so right to expose the needlessness of these “things” that are professed to make us happy. That the ads claim will make us new creatures. That will heal our myriad conditions, boost our energy, slim us down (think how many of THESE there are), smooth out wrinkles (I’m thinking of the ubiquitous “Life Lift” ads), add new hair to our heads… Anything to keep up attractive and YOUNG looking. Yep, we live in a culture that apparently values good looks above good hearts.
ReplyDeleteHi, Debra! Thanks for stopping by!
ReplyDeletePrecisely why I keep the TV OFF! My axe, too, is at the ready, though I don't think Danny would appreciate me ruining the flat screen. :)
I love what you said - "we live in a culture that apparently values good looks above good hearts". Succinctly and beautifully put, my friend. And, so sadly, true . . .
Blessings to you as ever!
Thank you so much for reminding me to focus on the spirit of Christmas.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by, Sukanya!
ReplyDeleteGlad this post gave you that wonderful reminder of what Christmas is truly all about. :)
Blessings to you!