Black Friday is coming. The most horrendous shopping day of the year. A time where crowds of people trample each other to save a few dollars on a big screen television. I am not much of a Black Friday shopper. More Cyber Monday for me.  But invariably SOMEONE in my family convinces me to brave the crowds. It is sort of a rite of passage.

So, my attitude is to have NO expectations of what I may come home with. I go for the fun, the excitement, to appease my family and just maybe to get a deal on SOMETHING.

It is easy in the midst of the craziness to forget that what we are really supposed to be celebrating is Jesus. God coming to earth to give us life – in abundance.  So I try to keep that in mind and try to remember to pray for that person that took the last parking space. Or the lady that keeps hitting me with her cart. Perhaps Black Friday should be seen as an opportunity for humility, patience, and … yes, brotherly love. Under extreme conditions.

So happy shopping to all of you brave souls out there. But more importantly, have a very merry, and blessed Christmas with those you love.