Christmas and Being Nice

Christmas is a time to be upbeat and positive. It’s a time to be grateful and thank others for their contribution. It’s a time to be warm and fuzzy, and share the love.

And it’s a season where cyber-criminals kick into over-drive. Last year, almost $600m was stolen in fraudulent credit card transactions. Not only are there people who scam others and make fake websites, but there are actually businesses who sell fake websites as franchises, complete with marketing campaigns and regular updates. They employ staff, set growth goals, and follow business strategies.

Some like to think the world is becoming a better place, that we now know better, and there is a general social progress underway. As appealing as this thought might be, it seems that every opportunity for progress is also a new opportunity that some use to exploit.

I am not sure if the world is getting better or worse. People remain humans with the capacity for both good and evil. The first Christmas narrative has nice shepherds, earnest wise men, an evil Herod and corrupt chief priests.

The coming of Jesus frames how we should view these dual themes. The world is fallen and needs saving. But Jesus loves the world and willingly sacrifices and gives his life to bring salvation.

We are the forgiven people, who at all times (but especially at Christmas) should be thankful, generous, and servant-hearted. We should attempt to bring the kingdom when and where we can, yet realise that Jesus will come again to bring the new heaven and new earth.

This Christmas, rejoice in the coming of our saviour, be a blessing to others as Christ is to us, and try not to get scammed.

Rev. David Rietveld