Black Friday was

This is probably one of the hardest posts that I will write. Recently, on facebook the question came up about the amount of impoverished children we have in this country and the inability of the government to supply all the needy. The answer is that the government should not have had to care for the poor and needy in the first place as it was said that the responsibility was to the Church. There is no debate there. The early Christian people shared what they had and even in the early days of let's say the "Village" in the late 1800's people used very little money and relied on the swapping method. The bartering system worked pretty well as everyone worked at something "useful" that added to everyone's life. No waste, no junk. Giving was also measured in your time, as well as talent. Black Friday was just that, Blackened by the violence of the must have generation. Because, things are necessary to celebrate Christmas in order to be happy. The sad part is that the poor are subjected to this in order to fulfill the desire of their children, in the name of Love.

Capitolism, who understands it? Buying because everyone has one, or it's on sale. Rather than can we afford it or do we really need to have it. People have nothing, yet they are buying because it's Black Friday, getting them deeper into the red. What is really the value of most of the junk that's being sold, "in order to keep people working?" All we can think about is the economy....What of the poor, we have always had them with us.

Some are really unaware of the plight of the poor....out of sight, out of mind. So, is it the church's responsibility to care for the many poor? How do empty churches do that?

So, where do you go when there is no where to go and your poor? Maybe you can find a shelter somewhere, and perhaps (one) meal a month or two, if you can get there.

There are no easy solutions to the mess that has been created, and that has been coming upon us for many years. Material goods are created cheaper and therefore, need replacement at a higher cost, purposefully. (It's good business practice). Having to constantly keep up with the demand of buying and maintaining a car, (is one example), especially in parts of the country which alternative modes of transportation are not available, can drain any budget. Don't get sick, or need dental care, your screwed. And, don't grow old, who can afford those bills. Did you see how much it costs to bury someone today? If you own a home, taxation will kill you as water bills and heating bills are on the rise. Try not to concern yourself, it's afterall the Christmas season, where you are advised to shop 'till you drop.

How can some worry about pepper spray, shopping on Black Friday, and overwhelming debt when everyday they must be confronted by "how will we survive the winter"? Just paying the doctor bills and prescriptions and putting food on the table may be all some can handle.

The blame game goes on. The reality is that some have "no problem" making it the Christmas Season presented to us on television, with all the beads and glamour, and oh yes, they are making their charity contribution, while the rest do the best they can with the season of giving.

How can you give when you have nothing yourself. Will you put yourself deeper in debt, as you are told to by so many "must have commercials," designed to "move you." I have personally spoken to many who actually "hate this time of the year," because of it's expectations, finding themselves deep in depression, again.

I recall seeing at the "Village" a small hand-cut tree, which I call the Charlie Brown Christmas tree. It had a square box filled with dirt and small handmade decorations, which at that time, would contain a small amount of candy, or small handmade toys, or mittens. Scarves and hats were also knitted as well as warm socks. Christmas was a shared event with family and friends but not to the extent that it is today. What has happened!

We must stop and take an assessment of what we are doing, before it is too late. Is Christmas now just for the rich? What is Christmas? Is it a commercial Christmas that we are celebrating? We are on the road to Christmas right now. Just where is it taking us?