And there were in the same country, husbands and fathers, keeping watch over their homes by night, but going to work every morning to make lots of money.
And lo, the smooth-voiced TV announcer came upon them and the glories of many fine possessions shone out at them, and they were afraid that they would never be able to buy all the things their families wanted.
And the TV announcer said unto them, “Fear not, for I bring unto you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all fathers, mothers, children, and relatives. For unto you there is this day in the city where our store is, a savior, which is our credit manager. And this shall be a sign unto you. You shall find this wondrous one wrapped in red clothing, with a big belly, and sporting white whiskers. We call him Santa Claus.”
And suddenly, there was with the TV announcer, a multitude of TV actors, praising the store and saying, “Glory to Santa, and on earth, lots of presents for all.”
And it came to pass, as the TV actors faded away, the fathers and mothers said to one another, “Let us now go even unto this store which the TV announcer hath made known to us.”
And they came with haste and found glittering wristwatches, fur coats, computers & tablets, new clothes, and also the wondrous one, dressed in red, sitting by the cash register, saying, “Ho, ho, ho,”
And when they had made their purchases, they spoke now among all their neighbors, how they were going to have one of the best Christmases ever, yet Santa Claus kept all the receipts in his safe and pondered on all the interest ha was going to collect.

This Christmas season, be very careful that the message of what man has to sell, does not overwhelm the proclamation of what God has freely given.

“Don’t store up treasures here on earth where they can erode away or may be stolen. Store them in heaven, where they will never lose their value, and are safe from thieves. If your profits are in heaven, your heart will be there too.”
(Matthew 6:19-21) TLB