11 22 11 Birth of a New Tradition


Yesterday, I described some of the actions that individual people or households could take to reduce CO2 emissions. Yesterday’s list reflected the kinds of things we talked about as a part of the One People, One Earth presentation in Anchorage on November 5. Today, citizens of the USA are getting ready to celebrate Thanksgiving—just two more days. And across the world, Christians are preparing to kick of the season of Advent—just five more days. Advent is the season of reflection on the real need the human race and all creation had to receive a Savior, Jesus. The arrival of Jesus opens the way for real transformation of people to live for God on earth. That is, the life and work of the Savior, Jesus, restores us to God’s good grace, and opens us to life in God’s Spirit—a life of joining God in restoring the whole of creation. This has been the traditional teaching of Christian life for over 2000 years.


However, joining God in the work of restoring the whole of creation means that we have to live it locally. With that in mind, someone who read my blog yesterday suggested another list of actions we might do this Christmas season. Today, I am posting it, below, as my addendum to yesterday’s writing. I am taking it seriously this Christmas season.


Before that, though, let me add one more note. Someone asked me to go describe how I arrived at my interpretation of Genesis 2:4 in more depth (see the 11 16 11 blog). I intended to do that this week, but have run out of writing time this week. I will pick it up in next week’s blog. For now, what about this for a way to celebrate Christmas?


Christmas 2011 -- Birth of a New Tradition


As the holidays approach, the giant Asian factories are kicking into high gear to provide Americans with monstrous piles of cheaply produced goods --Merchandise that has been produced at the expense of American labor. This year will be different. This year Americans will give the gift of genuine concern for other Americans. There is no longer an excuse that, at gift giving time, nothing can be found that is produced by American hands.


Yes there is!


It's time to think outside the box, people. Who says a gift needs to fit in a shirt box, wrapped in Chinese produced wrapping paper? Everyone -- yes EVERYONE gets their hair cut. How about gift certificates from your local American hair salon or barber?


Gym membership? It's appropriate for all ages who are thinking about some health improvement.


Who wouldn't appreciate getting their car detailed? Small, American owned detail shops and car washes would love to sell you a gift certificate or a book of gift certificates.

Are you one of those extravagant givers who think nothing of plunking down the Benjamines on a Chinese made flat-screen? Perhaps that grateful gift receiver would like his driveway sealed, or lawn mowed for the summer, or driveway plowed all winter, or games at the local golf course.

There are a bazillion owner-run restaurants -- all offering gift certificates. And, if your intended isn't the fancy eatery sort, what about a half dozen breakfasts at the local breakfast joint. Remember, folks this isn't about big National chains -- this is about supporting your home town Americans with their financial lives on the line to keep their doors open.

How many people couldn't use an oil change for their car, truck or motorcycle, done at a shop run by the American working guy?

Thinking about a heartfelt gift for mom? Mom would LOVE the services of a local cleaning lady for a day.

My computer could use a tune-up, and I KNOW I can find some young guy who is struggling to get his repair business up and running.

OK, you were looking for something more personal. Local crafts people spin their own wool and knit them into scarves. They make jewelry, and pottery and beautiful wooden boxes.

Plan your holiday outings at local, owner operated restaurants and leave your server a nice tip. And, how about going out to see a play or ballet at your hometown theatre.

Musicians need love too, so find a venue showcasing local bands.

Honestly, people, do you REALLY need to buy another ten thousand Chinese lights for the house? When you buy a five dollar string of light, about fifty cents stays in the community. If you have those kinds of bucks to burn, leave the mailman, trash guy or babysitter a nice BIG tip.

You see, Christmas is no longer about draining American pockets so that China can build another glittering city. Christmas is now about caring about US, encouraging American small businesses to keep plugging away to follow their dreams. And, when we care about other Americans, we care about our communities, and the benefits come back to us in ways we couldn't imagine.

……………


Just a thought...

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