We are capable of turning the celebration of Christ’s birth into a frenzy of self-centeredness. In our
neighborhood on Christmas Day, the kids would usually congregate after lunch. A single question was
the focus – “what did you get?” We talked about the presents we had just opened and usually there
was some envy as we eyed the toys our neighbors had received. It’s interesting, the whole tradition
of gift giving was born out of the Magi bringing gifts to present to the baby Jesus but the world
around us wants to turn it into an exercise in materialistic gluttony. Beware of that danger, because
more “stuff” is not what Christmas is about. Remember it truly is more blessed to give than to
receive. Do whatever it takes to prevent any kind of self-centeredness. Give generously of your
money and time and do it in ways that honor Christ.

The childhood comparisons of our “haul” of gifts is no more helpful than other comparisons we make.
From my perspective, our culture has an unhealthy habit of comparison. Whether the automobiles we
drive, the clothes we wear, the jobs we hold, and the vacations we take, we pit ourselves up against
our peers and the results are harmful no matter what. At its worst, this comparison phenomenon is
applied to our children or grandchildren. It is disastrous for everyone involved when parents are
getting their self-esteem needs met through their children. With the prevalence of Facebook and
other social media, this has worsened. It does not take long to see “one upmanship” as people
project certain images of their lives for all their social media friends to see. We begin to think (very
incorrectly) that everyone else’s life is perfect and a chorus of “woe is me” can roll of our tongues.
By the way, do you really think their lives are as glamorous as they seem?

Comparing our lives with that of others has a bad effect on our attitude. On one hand, if we feel
“better off” than our peers, we can develop a haughtiness that is never appropriate for a follower of
Christ. One can easily become prideful and smug. On the other hand, when we view ourselves as less
successful or less fortunate, we are displaying a lack of gratitude for how much the Lord has blessed
us. Paul wrote about having contentment in Philippians 4. This Christmas, take time to consider your
blessings. If your child did not make the varsity team, there is no point in seething over it. It surely is
not the end of the world. Make your family’s goals less about accomplishments and more about
Christ-like character.

And finally, one last caveat… while Christmas is a time of great joy, there are those among
us for whom Christmas can be a deeply painful time. Those who have suffered a loss (a death
of a loved one, loss of a job, break up of a family, etc) have their hurt intensified as they see
others reveling in Christmas activities. Do what you can to include others in various aspects of
celebrating Christmas. When we make it about Jesus, there is sure to be joy!

Robert

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• A trip to Israel is back on for any who wish to travel where Jesus walked. Departure on this 10-day trip will be January 11, 2027.

• Let me say a huge THANK YOU for the way you have served and supported Ashford’s ministry in 2025!