Materialism has become the ruin of Christmas. It is so ironic that the way in which we celebrate the birth of Jesus is through the accumulation of more and more. And after Christmas we can be "undone" due to our gifts. Be wise and thoughtful as you celebrate Christ. There is meaning in their gifts. They remind us that the gift is Jesus.

Traveling Light

It's Not About the Stuff

Matthew 2

"...you don't need a lot of equipment. You are the equipment, and all you need to keep that going is three meals a day. Travel light."  - Matthew 10:10 (MSG)

To travel light - get past the baggage by remembering:

#1. It's not about the stuff, it's Jesus.

see v2, "Where is HE..."

1 Timothy 6:17-18, "Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others."

Acts 20:35, "...'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'"

#2. It's not about the stuff, it's the giving.

see v2, "Where is HE?...that we might worship Him."

Matthew 6:24-26, "No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money."

#3. It's not about the stuff, it's the message.

Gold - gift of royalty

Frankincense - gift of divinity

Myrrh - gift of mortality

John 8:12, "I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won't have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life."