Laced With Grace – Christian Devotions

Black Friday

By Guest Blogger November 28, 2008 Character, Christmas, Devotion, Holiday, Life

I just finished getting ready for the big shopping day, “Black Friday.” I have my list of “must haves” and my plan of where to begin at 4 AM. I have gone through the flyers and found the best deals.

And, as I write this, I am watching one of the funniest Christmas movies, “Christmas with the Kranks”. With their only daughter away with the Peace Corps over Christmas, Luther and Nora Krank decide to “skip” Christmas and go away on a cruise. Their decision to boycott the holiday has the neighborhood in an uproar.

This movie is hilarious because I can relate to all of the crazy details that we can get caught up in over Christmas- the cards, decorations, parties, lights….losing sight of WHAT Christmas is really about. Sometimes we can become so overwhelmed with the activities, forgetting that Christmas is remembering and celebrating the birth of Christ.

One of my favorite traditions of Black Friday is an idea that I got from this book
One of the ideas is called “Gift with Purchase.” Our family makes simple crafts like ornaments, and then we give them to sales clerks, thanking them for working during the holidays. We make sure to include a scripture and message of God’s love through the birth of Jesus. The reaction of surprise and thankfulness of the clerks is so worth the effort! They love being appreciated!

This season, especially when you have the opportunity to spread Christ’s love with strangers, remember to keep Christ in Christmas. Don’t allow yourself to become overwhelmed in the details, but remain in His peace. Help your family to bask in the gift of Jesus….His love, His peace, and His hope.

And, if you happen to shop, please give a friendly smile and thank you to those salesclerks!

Thirsty for Him,

Tracy

7 thoughts on “Black Friday”

  3. LynnLynn

    HI Tracy,

    What a great idea. I make ornaments from cinnamon. What a wonderful way to share love with people in this frenzied time. Neat. Have a fun day today. Hugs~

  4. Mommy of two little blessings

    What a good idea. *smile* My husband and I were inspired by some close friends of ours to give McDonalds’ gift cards to the people on the corners with signs. This way we are helping them get at least one decent meal. They can get a salad and some milk or some apple wedges or whatever. I get the five dollar ones and keep them in the car so when I come up to them I can roll down my window and hand it out to them. Like I said, just one way to help them get one good meal a day. *smile* Have a wonderful day and remember to pray always. -me- (Mommy of two little blessings)

  5. Claudia

    Hi! I just discovered your blog, and clicked on the link to your article here. I was just listening to the radio today and they were talking about this book, Redeeming the Season, and it sounded so good! I love the ideas they talked about. So, I am going to be sure and get it.

    If you would like, you can pop on over to my blog and participate in our Thanksgiving book give-away! If you had a Thanksgiving blunder this year, share it with us, and you may be able to win free book!

    Thanks so much for your article and reminder of Redeeming the Season!