There has always been something about this song that has fascinated me. Perhaps it is something in the WAY that the late Ertha Kitt sang it or maybe the message of the song, I am not really sure. But it strikes a nerve, nonetheless. I hear it a lot around Christmas time and so it is probably the mercenary aspect of it that is set against the season of giving that makes it stand out. The other day my wife was watching the Susie (Ornan??) financial show and as I looked up from the book I was engrossed in, I heard Susie say: "People first, money second and things last of all". Then I made an association with this passage and I hope you see the connection as well.
1 Tim 6:1-11
6 Let as many as are bondservants under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honor, that the name of God and the doctrine not be blasphemed.
2 Those who have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brothers, but rather let them serve them, because those who partake of the benefit are believing and beloved. Teach and exhort these things.
3 If anyone teaches a different doctrine, and doesn't consent to sound words, the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness,
4 he is conceited, knowing nothing, but obsessed with arguments, disputes, and word battles, from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions,
5 constant friction of people of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. Withdraw yourself from such.
6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.
7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we certainly can't carry anything out.
8 But having food and clothing, we will be content with that.
9 But those who are determined to be rich fall into a temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful lusts, such as drown men in ruin and destruction.
10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some have been led astray from the faith in their greed, and have pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
11 But you, man of God, flee these things, and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, and gentleness.WEB
This society places a high value on the accumulation of things and money could be just another "thing". We are constantly being bombarded with sales pitches on the TV and telephone. Everyone has an angle and frankly its hard to know who to trust when you need to buy something really important. I learned the truth about "Santa" when I was about eight years old, so forget about the wish list. Besides, if I got that Red Rider BB gun I might have put someones eye out. But, I won't dwell on that, instead I will try to just understand verse 11 and then I just might know enough what to ask GOD for.