The Pope decried the commercialization of Christmas today, and who can disagree? The world would be so much better if nobody bought or got any presents this year! Then the economy would crash through the floor, and businesses would go bankrupt left and right, just as Jesus intended. In this fragile economy, it's more important than ever to make sure nobody spends any money so everyone loses their job. After all, then they'll have all their time free to worship Jesus! (But with no money for the collection plate. But that's okay, for the Pope said we shouldn't concern ourselves with such things as money! And there's nobody I'd rather hear say that than a guy in golden robes and priceless jewels living in a fairytale castle absolutely dripping with wealth.)
I understand his point, but when the world economy is skating on such thin ice this Christmas, perhaps it's not the best time to impugn the value of gift-giving. How about, under the circumstances, instead of condemning the commercialization, say instead to let us not become so swept up in the shopping and office parties and TV specials that we forget what we are celebrating: the birth of Jesus Christ. That would get the message out without browbeating people into making the economy worse. But it's just a suggestion. (After all,
I'm not infallible, so I might be wrong.)
Here's the stern story:
