Black Friday, indeed

Seriously, who invented Black Friday?  I know there are some of you out there that marvel at the idea of waking up at the crack of dawn and venturing out to the various retail outlets to find the best deal and the perfect gift.  Sounds fun to some people; and to each his own...I'm fine with the novelty and the opportunity to spend time with your good friends or family, maybe getting a bite to eat together on the way home.. sounds like the holidays to me and a really fun tradition for many.
Let's flash forward to the outrageous news reels all over television showing people trampling each other to get through the door.  The man screaming for help as each person passed him by, their eyes only on the coveted door buster prize.  Or how about the footage of some customers at a well known store seething at the foot of a pile of 9 dollar crock pots like a bunch of hungry wolves?  The workers clinging to each other, fearing this may be their last day alive.  Maybe the woman who has a meltdown at the checkout line because she's so selfishly tried to cut in front of everyone else and is told she needs to go to the back of the line to wait, and she freaks out so badly, I was sure it was an episode of COPS.
But it wasn't COPS.  This was the spirit of the holiday season. (As seen on TV)  Makes my stomach churn at the thought of people so desperate, so lifeless.  Makes my skin crawl the way the media portrays the mayhem and we all watch eyes glued to the screens in our living rooms, unable to look away.  Some spirit.
I dread this dark day every year.  Ironic in itself that it's the day after we all are supposed to give thanks (I'm so thankful, now move aside jerk, I want that freakin' TV and the 9$ crock pot!!)  That is hilarious.  Sad.  I think it's tragic that this is what occurs because of a few material items on sale.  Sure, I love a good bargain.  But I'm not going to step on the face of my neighbor for it!  
Have all of these people forgotten what this time of year is really about?  Have they forgotten that the reason we give presents to each other, is because we are in symbolic celebration of Jesus' birth?  Christmas is about love and celebration.  Family and friends.  Giving, not receiving.  Just like He gives to us everyday.  Has anyone taken a moment to look around at all of the blessings we have received?  The warm beds we sleep in.  The food on our table.  Our children.  Our family.  The glorious way the sun rises in the East in the morning and the breathtaking sight it leaves on us in the West every night? 
Like I said before, it's wonderful to spend this day the way it was really intended.  Shopping the deals, trying to find something really special for those we love, checking out the holiday decorations, those oh so amazing lights and reeling in the holidays.  
But to those who have forgotten what Christmas is all about... Take a moment and do something kind for someone else.  Count all the beautiful blessings He has given you.  And most all all remember.  Remember what this time of year is all about.  I can guarantee you that He- for whom this Season is all about- has not, even for a second, forgotten you.


Happy Birthday, Jesus
May He continue to bless each and every one of you


Much love~
T♥