Lord,
Christmas is just days away
and once again I’m eaten up
with my annual insecurities.
Materialism and self-doubt
dominate my thoughts.
Everyday,
or so it seems,
we receive another full color catalog.
Their glamorous offerings
not only tempt me to lust after things
I do not need and cannot afford,
but they also raise doubts
about my ability
to provide for those I love.
I mean,
if I don’t shower my family
with the latest fashions
and electronic gear,
then maybe I’m not really
a loving husband or a generous parent.
On another level,
all this glitz and holiday hype
stimulates my personal insecurities.
I’m too short,
too heavy,
too old.
As a result I’m tempted
to go on a spending spree
in a misguided attempt
to make myself acceptable,
to become one of the “beautiful people.”
Help me Lord.
Remind me that the true message of Christmas
affirms my worth apart from what I have,
or what I do.
Help me to remember
that You became the ‘Son of man,”
that we might become the sons of God.
Now that’s the real meaning of Christmas
and it proves I am a person of eternal value
even if I can’t afford the latest fashions
or electronic gear!