No presents for 8 year old this Christmas

This young man is an example to us all.  As reported in the Birmingham Mail, 8 year old Ethan Edwards leads the way in living a life that confronts consumerism with a care and love for those less fortunate.  The lad only went and persuaded all his relatives to give to Birmingham Central Foodbank instead of getting presents himself!

Why does it take a child to remind us that this is an option, that we don’t need presents at Christmas at all?  It really is great to choose to give a thoughtful gift to a loved one but what percentage of gifts were given freely?  I suspect many presents were bought as a result of the cultural compulsion that, at the very least, we need to buy one present for every significant family member otherwise we’re not doing Christmas properly.

When the John Lewis ad came out there was much gushing for the skill and artistry that went into it .  However, all the advert did was add to the tidal wave of consumerism that washes away all but the most stubborn of selfless Christmas spirit.  I’m glad that young Ethan manages to resist what we all tell him about Christmas and shows that there is a different path to choose.

I’m as guilty as the next and need to make decisions this Christmas to make sure next Christmas puts others before the urge to buy buy buy.

 

 

Drink Driving Consequences

A picture tells a thousand words: 

The face is that of Lee McCormick, former Plymouth Argyle footballer who is currently serving a seven year prison sentence.  He got drunk at his mate’s wedding, got in a car and ended up killing two boys and putting their dad in a wheelchair.    Contrast that with David Norris, his former teammate, whose wedding it was, celebrating scoring a goal this weekend.  It is alledged that Norris’ handcuff gesture was aimed in support of his jailed friend.  On one hand this shows the inability that many celebrities, including footballers, have in grasping reality.  Does Norris actually realise what that family must be going through?

These two boys are dead now.  Maybe McCormick’s mugshot should be posted behind every bar in the country to remind those considering driving home what it must feel like to realise your actions have killed children.  He looks like a shell of a man.

However, it would be foolish to exclude myself from this scenario.  Dozens of times a day my actions point to the fact I am self-centred and place myself above others.  It just happens that McCormick’s have ended up with hideously serious consequences.  I ask that God would help me to put others before myself.