I’ve been thinking I need to post this for a while.  Now that we are upon Christmas, retailers are bombarding us with stuff to buy.  They want you to open a credit card to get whatever back, buy with points, and buy more stuff than you can afford.  On top of all that, non-profits are trying to rack in the last minute giving, and trying to get your money over to them.  Don’t get me wrong, some material things are not bad.  Giving is not bad.  You have to be intentional with your money.  I struggle with this as well.

During this Christmas season, set a budget, follow it, and you will be so much more grateful come next year.  Imagine not having to pay credit cards next year?  Imagine everything you buy is paid for!  Retailers and credit card companies want you to buy a lot.  Credit card companies also realize that most people don’t pay their balance in full, or doing a 0% for x amount of months deal, means you have to pay on time every month.  If you miss one, you start earning interest, and most likely all the interest you avoided will be added to.  Just be intentional with your money.

Christmas is a great way to give back.  Check your budget and see if you can give a little bit extra as a tip, spend time helping families, or even give a large gift. Make sure it’s in your budget.  My family and I have started giving 1 large tip a week.  We never know how it will impact someone, but God has blessed us, and we feel we must bless others.

This brings me to my next subject.  I know sometimes the Church hurts people, either by exposing their sin, not following their beliefs, or just being imperfect people.  Jesus came to forgive us of our sins.  He also said to love one another.  I realize we aren’t going to agree with everything, but I do want to apologize for the Church not being a safe place for you, if you have been hurt by the Church, and that Jesus loves you.  The real reason for Christmas to celebrate the life of Christ!

Have a Merry Christmas!

Blessings,

Andrew Krob