The incarnation of Christ - does it require a gift from Target?

Despite its being more than a month away, the Christmas advertising season is already in full swing around New York. We went shopping in SoHo on Saturday and just about every store had Jingle Bells, Silent Night or some other tune blaring at top volume. At one point I wondered why all the marketing fuss. But, fuss there is!

Apparently, Jerry Falwell has declared that Christmas celebrations are under attack in America, and he is unleashing a "Friend or Foe" campaign to ensure that Christmas is celebrated in schools and public spaces this year. The American Family Association is calling for a boycott of Target this Thursdays in order to ensure that shoppers are greeted with "merry Christmas" at the stores.

"American Family Association President Tim Wildmon wants to see "Merry Christmas" signs displayed prominently [at Target] 'if they expect Christians to come in and buy products during this so-called season.'"

Now, I'm not entirely sure where to find the Biblical principle that says we should buy a bunch of stuff in order to celebrate Christ's birth. Let alone that we should boycott a store because it doesn't have a bunch of signs up saying "merry Christmas."

How is it that the incarnation of our Lord into the world has spawned such consumerism in the first place? And wouldn't it be more biblical to speak out against any stores using the celebration of Christ's birth to market their stuff? It's getting to feel as though our society is taking the Lord's name in vein when it comes to shopping and Christmas. It isn't about Jesus - it's about money. And, using Jesus to make money is just wrong.

I've had it with Christmas songs, Christmas trees, Christmas crap. I'm officially joining the folks at buynothingchristmas.org. Where did Jesus say that we should buy so much stuff to celebrate his birthday?!?