Yesterday a friend arranged to do a Samaritan's Purse shoebox day with her neighbours. When she proposed the idea it was very well received. She commented, 'These friends want to help others but lack an outlet & connection to make it happen. They just needed someone to get the ball rolling.'

What a great start to help frame the Christmas season in the appropriate vein. Too often it's all about, 'Gimme gimme gimme' & our kids completely miss the impact of the birth of Jesus.

Materialism doesn’t make us happy. Materialistic folks tend to be dissatisfied with their lives, have low self-esteem, be less integrated into their community, find less meaning in life, and be less concerned about the welfare of others. The list goes on and on: Materialistic people are also less satisfied with their family lives, the amount of fun and enjoyment they experience, and they are more likely to be depressed and envious.

Materialistic KIDS don’t do as well in school, and are at greater risk for depression, anxiety, and unhappiness; they are less inclined to connect to and help others in their neighborhood and community. (Christine Carter)

Is there something you can initiate in your neighbourhood this season to combat materialism & help give flesh to the real meaning of Christmas?