Have you been following the Percy Pig row across the pond in the United Kingdom? The Marks and Spencer department store chain has been offering Percy Pig “sweets” (candy) for Christmas. But buyers aren’t happy! Here’s the headline: “Marks and Spencer's shoppers are disappointed with a new Christmas Percy Pig item, claiming £1.75 [$2.10] for the product is a ‘rip off.’ Shoppers took to social media to share their shock when opening up the box of sweets” (www.mylondon.news/whats-on/food-drink-news/ms-shoppers-feel-ripped-off-25362240?int_source=amp_continue_reading&int_medium=amp&int_campaign=continue_reading_button#amp-readmore-target).

Inside the Percy Pig cardboard box of this popular jelly candy is a small palm size cellophane bag with (according to the photo posted in the My London news site) seven small heart-shaped candies. But the shoppers were obviously expecting more sweets than that, and clearly weren’t happy! The site My London commented: “To be fair to Mark's and Spencer, it does say a small bag and it does say 20g on the back of the box. It is still, however, a terrible deal” (ibid).

So we, too, are finding out on this side of the Atlantic. According to the goverment’s Bureau of Labor Statistics the latest Consumer Price Index (for the month of October) shows an overall (not seasonally adjusted) 7.7% increase over the previous year. But where we feel it the most is the increase in food prices (+10.9%) and energy (+17.6%). 

But a more subtle indicator of price hikes is what they’re calling “shrinkflation”—where the product size or quantity has been reduced but is still sold at the same price as before reduction. Even our venerated vegemeat Big Franks has dropped from eight sausages per can to six sausages (according to the food shopper analyst I live with). Now, there’s a crisis in the making!

But Percy Pig and Big Franks notwithstanding, there has been no reduction in the quality and quantity of the largess and blessings you and I have enjoyed from God: “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:22-23).  No wonder David could exclaim: “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me bless His holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits” (Psalm 103:1-2).

In this glorious season when we remember God gave us His very best Gift of all, may our hearts be generous back to Him. Thank you for the faithful generosity you demonstrate in your support of our Pioneer Family offerings. And thank you for adding the new elevator (Renovate 2.0) to your tithe envelope giving. Our children bless you, our senior members bless you, but most of all God blesses you and me. No wonder we love Him back.