The Story Of Abundance

Too Much

  Shall we buy a string of lights?

    Oh, no, let’s buy six.

  Shall we get some candles?

    Oh, yes, let’s get five.

  Shall we bake a pie?

     Oh, no, let’s bake four.

   Shall we get a Christmas tree

     Oh, yes, let’s buy three.

   Shall we roast a turkey?

     Oh, no, let’s do prime rib, too.

  Shall we celebrate this day together?

     Just one day? Let’s do the whole week.

The Story of Abundance is a problematic story, in my opinion. Yes, the decorating of shop windows is festive and fun. I especially enjoy driving through my tiny town at 6:00 am, when no one is there except the lights. The Bookshop has a window with a easy chair and little table piled with new books. Warm light from an antique lamp shines on the scene. The Pharmacy windows are a blaze with twinkle lights, highlighting fancy plates and decorative linens.

    But, the expectation of giving more and more leads to a franticness inside of me and a desperate feeling of inadequacy. My house is not festive enough, just look at that street of lights. My tree is not big enough, just look how our neighbor decorates. My gifts are too practical, just look how my relative creates magic for everyone.

Abundance is a positive word. It means we have more than enough and actually I live in abundance year round. Is there something of which I need more? More satiety, more outward caring, and more time with Jesus. He gives abundantly and entreats us to take His yoke upon us. That has never sounded attractive. Aren't we all part of the yoke with which He carries our weaknesses, our rebellions, our lack? Seems too much.

But yet, He says His burden is light? How can that be?

The answer seems to be LOVE.

Jesus has an abundance of love.

His love makes burdens LIGHT.

Shall we spread some love like Jesus this year?

Yes, let's give more.

"The key is to work out which elements of the story (of abundance) bring you genuine joy and them, then let go of the rest, rather than get sucked into the materialistic whirlwind."

Beth Kempton, Calm Christmas

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