2 CORINTHIANS 8:3–4; 9:6–10 - I’m confessing: I love the Christmas season. I know it has been commercialized and materialism runs rampant, but I love the excitement and joyous spirit that seems to grip most of us. Who doesn’t enjoy little ones running toward Santa, thinking of flying reindeer, waiting for the big day?

I know; I should be offended at all this hype when the real issues are the birth of Jesus and the cosmic ramifications of his incarnation. And, believe me, I don’t for a second want to diminish that.

But I also love the focus on giving gifts. Again, I am aware that marketers manipulate us to buy ridiculous things for people we might not even like. But I like the giving and receiving.