Hey, Psalm Mom. The Christmas season has a way of bringing out the best—and the worst—in all of us. If you’re a Christian mom, you’re probably already trying to juggle a million things, from school events to baking cookies to managing the seemingly endless wave of holiday shopping. But here’s the truth nobody wants to talk about: the pressure to keep up with the Joneses, Jacksons, Sanchezes, and Changs can be overwhelming. Let's figure out some strategies on overcoming materialism and envy during the season together.
Fighting Materialism as a Christian Mom During the Christmas Season
Let’s face it—when you walk into the mall and the lights are twinkling, the smells of cinnamon and pine fill the air, and the stores are full of shiny, expensive gadgets, it’s hard not to feel a twinge of envy. You see other moms dressed to the nines, strutting through the halls with their designer bags and expensive coffee in hand, while you’re just trying to keep your kids from fighting over a $5 ornament.
And then there’s the parking lot. You know, the one where you can’t help but notice the shiny new cars, the Audis, Mercedes, and Range Rovers. All those sleek SUVs without an old McNugget crumb in sight! Or so we assume...
It's like we're walking through an episode of a luxury reality show, and all we have is our trusty minivan that’s been through the wars.
So, how do we, as Christian moms, deal with this temptation of materialism during Christmas? How do we keep our eyes on Christ and not get distracted by the shiny stuff, the cute outfits, or the Instagram-perfect lives?
Stop Measuring Our Worth by What We Have
One of the most subtle—and dangerous—ways materialism creeps into our lives is when we start measuring our worth by what we own or what we can give. We look around and see other moms with more "stuff"—bigger houses, fancier cars, and more elaborate gifts—and we can’t help but feel a little left behind. But here’s the thing: God is not impressed by the things you buy or the brand of your handbag.
In fact, the Bible has some pretty strong words about materialism. Jesus Himself said in Luke 12:15 (NIV), “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.” If we really think about it, do we ever feel more fulfilled after splurging on a shiny new gadget or a pricey sweater? Probably not. The temporary thrill of a new purchase fades, but the long-lasting peace of knowing Christ doesn’t.
Contentment in Christ
We’re living in a culture that is constantly telling us we need more. More clothes, more gadgets, more everything. But Christ calls us to something radically different. He tells us in Philippians 4:11-12 (NIV), “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.”
As a mom, this means letting go of the idea that we need the latest thing to keep up. It means looking around at what we already have—our family, our home, our health—and being grateful for those blessings. And no, that doesn’t mean ignoring the fact that the holidays can be a financial strain, but it does mean choosing gratitude over comparison.
Focusing on Serving, Not Shopping
Christmas is the time of year when we celebrate Jesus' birth, and yet, it's also the time when we are most likely to get caught up in consumerism. The marketing blitz, the sales, the promotions—it’s like every company is hoping you’ll forget the real reason for the season and just buy more stuff. But as Christian moms, we’re called to a different kind of Christmas. We are called to serve others, not just indulge ourselves.
Scripture reminds us in Acts 20:35 (NIV), “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Instead of focusing on what you can get, why not focus on how you can give?
This might mean volunteering at a local shelter, helping a struggling neighbor, or even just taking the time to make a heartfelt meal for someone. We could even give our time and energy to serving at church, helping out with kids' ministries, or organizing a toy drive.
Let’s not forget that Christmas is about Christ—not about the stuff that fills our shopping bags. As moms, we can teach our kids that the best part of Christmas isn’t the latest toy or the trendiest outfit, but the joy of giving and the beauty of serving others. That's what Christ did for us.
Finding Joy in What God Has Already Given Us
We might not have everything we want, but we have everything we need. God has already blessed us with so much. We have His love, His grace, and His provision. We have the promise that we don’t need to strive for more, because what we have in Christ is enough.
In 1 Timothy 6:6-8 (NIV), we’re reminded, “But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.”
So, this Christmas season, let’s fight against the urge to buy, compare, and covet. Instead, let’s focus on the gifts that truly matter—the gifts that come from Christ. Love, peace, joy, and a heart full of gratitude.
Let's pray:
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank You, Lord, for the blessings You’ve given me—the ultimate one being Your Son. Forgive me for getting caught up in what others have, and help me find contentment in You alone. This Christmas, guide me to serve others and celebrate Christ's birth with a heart that honors You.
Grant me peace as I navigate the season’s pressures. Remind me that material things can't satisfy the way Your love does. Help me teach my children that Christmas is about giving and serving, just as You gave everything for us.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
Psalm Mom, this Christmas, let’s remember the reason for the season. It isn’t about what we buy, but about who we serve.
Comments