On Christmas morning, every kid wants their version of an "Official Red Ryder Carbine-Action Two-Hundred-Shot Range Model Air Rifle". When I was young, I always wanted something Star Wars or something Lego. Today, it's the "Red Ryder" ipod or lastest video game. The nostalgia of "A Christmas Story" movie reminds us how we saw Christmas as a child. Maybe we didn't grow up in the 1940's or "triple dog dare" a friend to stick his toungue on a frozen flagpole, but we can relate to Ralphie.
Ralpie knew what he wanted. Specifically. An "Official Red Ryder Carbine-Action Two-Hundred-Shot Range Model Air Rifle". We all did this as children - focused on that one thing. It was simple, uncomplicated, naive. Our enthusiasm and excitement would sometimes overwhelmed us, but as a child it just seemed right. But, we do grow up... sorta.
Even as adults, we sometimes focus on that "one thing". Sometimes, we learn what Ralphie learned almost immediately, that a "Red Ryder" has consequences. How many times have you "shot your eye out" thinking Christmas would be just perfect if you had this or that? In our commercial world, the true meaning of Christmas gets lost in the "get" and the holiday sales. Sometimes we forget or ignore the consequences. Selfishness. Materialism. Debt. Danger. Disappointment. Delusion. Distraction.
Distraction from the CHRIST in Christmas. Yeah, I know this argument is fought every year, a news story about someone offended by a nativity in public or saying "Happy Holidays" instead of "Merry Christmas". The consequences become significant, personal, important.
In the end, when the turkey has been eaten by the dogs and Ralphie put down his "Red Ryder", the family sits down in a quiet Chinese restuarant, laughs at what could have been, and sings along with the waiters, a Christmas carol. The consequences have lead to a special moment shared with family and confirming the love that is Christmas.
On December 24th, TBS is broadcasting A Christmas Story 24 hour marathon... I can't wait.
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I'm always fighting the obsession to acquire or play with my new toy at the expense of ignoring important things. But God says:
Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, "I WILL NEVER DESERT YOU, NOR WILL I EVER FORSAKE YOU," (Heb 13:5)
BTW, note that the word "conversation" in the KJV is rendered "character" here in the NASB, because in King James English, that is precisely the meaning of the word. Maybe the KJV isn't so easy even a caveman can read it...
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