Hope? .... or hype?

Last Sunday, Pastor Aaron introduced his sermon by asking, “Is hype hope?” “What's the difference?”   Hmmmm....... what  IS  the difference?

Hype says that if you buy a new car you'll drive (probably very fast) to places you've never been before and enter a whole new world of adventure, comfort and safety. (And in your  city commute, probably everybody will always let you in front of them.)

Hype says that if you buy a bigger house or upgrade your old one, you can impress your friends, maybe even make a whole new better class of friends, and increase your circle of influence.

Hype says that if you buy your kids the best toys and devices, dress them in Hollister and Abercrombie & Fitch and send them to the best schools, you will raise stellar human beings.

Hype says that if you buy pricey beauty products and treatments, no one will believe your stated (or adjusted) age. And when you look younger, life will be better. (When you're in the over-50 crowd, does anybody really believe that you have naturally sun streaked voluminous hair? And perfect skin?  Or do you just look “high maintenance”?)  And do we really believe that wearing the right designer fragrance (priced per ounce) will tell our story better?

Happiness is hyped every day on TV and radio, in newspapers, magazines and on billboards, in computer pop-ups and Groupon deals, in political speeches and office presentations. And even though we might sometimes know better, we are actually caused to stop and wonder, what would my life be like if I had that? Or did that? And sometimes, to even invest before we figure it out.

One study says that if you earn approximately $40,000 a year you are comfortable. (Actually the study said $30,000 but can that be right?) After that, more money does not make you more happy but actually brings you more stress. You and I are in the top 10 wealthiest people in the world. All political and economic beliefs and concerns aside, am I really in the top ten happiest?

At this time of year in our North American world, every charity is collecting. Every brand name and every retailer is marketing. Every extra looney I give or spend could be given or spent 100 times over. I'm wondering, am I really investing in things that will make me happy? Or am I overtaken by hype?

Joy to the world, the Lord has come!   Jehovah Shalom has sent his Son!

Joy is peace dancing.  Peace is joy resting.