Pastor Luke invites us to reconsider what makes a "successful Christmas" by examining how our perspective shifts from childhood (toys) to teen years (monetary value) to adulthood (children's happiness). He warns against making Christmas "thing-centric" or "me-centric" instead of worship-centric, and identifies two main reasons we spend impulsively: wrong motives stemming from our "SAD hearts" (Selfishness, Arrogance, Damaging) and social pressure.
Instead, Pastor Luke encourages spending intentionally - expending resources with purpose and focus to advance God's kingdom and bless others. These resources include time, talents, truth, and treasures. He outlines three focuses: pleasing God first (Ecclesiastes 2:26), truly blessing others through gifts that honor and refresh (Proverbs 11:25), and choosing contentment rather than consumption (Philippians 4:11-12). Pastor Luke concludes with practical next steps: taking inventory and making a plan, asking God for help with our motives, and creating a reminder to rethink Christmas next year.
