The Christmas Story and Christmas Vacation
12/4/25 Johnny Presley-YBL Marketing & Communications Coordinator
19 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Matthew 6:19-12 ESV
We all remember the plot of the classic film National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, starring Chevy Chase. His character, Clark Griswald, eagerly awaits his Christmas bonus from work so he can buy a pool for his family with his extra income. His identity, purpose, and security are completely wrapped up (pun intended) in money. The film presents an exaggerated yet accurate portrayal of how the pursuit of earthly riches inevitably brings disorder in our lives, leaving us dissatisfied. This is something Jesus warns us about.
Jesus tells us the problem with storing up earthly treasures.
“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal,” – Matthew 6:19
Jesus warns us that nothing in this life is permanent. There are always factors that will spoil our earthly treasures. This is modeled starkly by new vehicles. That initial glow of a new sports car will quickly fade. It may still have some value, but what happens if it gets scratched, totaled, or stolen? Not to mention the additional responsibilities and costs that accompany it. Storing up earthly treasures is an unwise decision.
Jesus gives us a solution.
“but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.” – Matthew 6:20
The answer is to store treasures in heaven. These are not physical items but rather spiritual treasures that last forever. The greatest treasure is a relationship with God the Father. From that relationship flows every kind of spiritual blessing (Ephesians 1). We are forgiven of our sins, freed from our trusting in earthly things, and made alive to love others selflessly. Christ tells us that we only have two options. We can serve either God or money, not both (Matthew 6:2). So, the things in this world are temporary, but following God has an eternal impact. What option will you choose this Christmas season? However, despite these critical differences between how Scripture commands us to live and Clark’s obsession with earthly treasure, he gets one thing right.
Clark, like a good father, wants to provide for his family. How much more does our Heavenly Father want to provide for us?
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” – Matthew 6:21
Clark’s heart is in the right place regarding his love for his family. He wants to give them something that shows his love for them. He wants to bless them; he wants to give them joy. In the same way, God loves us and has shown his love for us by giving us the greatest gift one can give – everlasting life in Christ Jesus. Our treasures reveal what our heart desires. What are you treasuring? This Christmas season, what do you desire more, earthly or heavenly riches?