So we only have 10 days until Christmas. This has been my second Christmas season in retail, and I have to say it has not been pleasant at all. It has been too much take, and more take, and not enough giving. The seven deadly sins happen every day with most people who come into the store. I have seen the underbelly of greed,lust,gluttony, and selfishness? Indeed I have. Now I am not saying not to buy gifts to give to your loved ones and friends. Nothing wrong with that, this is a celebration of the birth of a Savour named Jesus Christ. But that is what the majority of the sub humans forget about. We go into debt to buy all the pretty thingys to give to one another, and more than likely we will return, for what? I have come across a web site that speaks of all this. It is called,’Advent Conspiracy’. The concept behind this website and movement is as follows:
[Worship Fully]
It starts with Jesus. It ends with Jesus. This is the holistic approach God had in mind for Christmas. It’s a season where we are called to put down our burdens and lift a song up to our God. It’s a season where love wins, peace reigns, and a king is celebrated with each breath. It’s the party of the year. Entering the story of advent means entering this season with an overwhelming passion to worship Jesus to the fullest.
[Spend Less]
Before you think we’re getting all Scrooge on you, let us explain what we mean. We like gifts. Our kids really like gifts. But consider this: America spends an average of $450 billion a year every Christmas. How often have you spent money on Christmas presents for no other reason than obligation? How many times have you received a gift out of that same obligation? Thanks, but no thanks, right? We’re asking people to consider buying ONE LESS GIFT this Christmas. Just one. Sounds insignificant, yet many who have taken this small sacrifice have experienced something nothing less than a miracle: They have been more available to celebrate Christ during the advent season.
[Give More]
God’s gift to us was a relationship built on love. So it’s no wonder why we’re drawn to the idea that Christmas should be a time to love our friends and family in the most memorable ways possible. Time is the real gift Christmas offers us, and no matter how hard we look, it can’t be found at the mall. Time to make a gift that turns into the next family heirloom. Time to write mom a letter. Time to take the kids sledding. Time to bake really good cookies and sing really bad Christmas carols. Time to make love visible through relational giving. Sounds a lot better than getting a sweater two sizes too big, right? Need a few ideas?
[Love All]
When Jesus loved, He loved in ways never imagined. Though rich, he became poor to love the poor, the forgotten, the overlooked and the sick. He played to the margins. By spending less at Christmas we have the opportunity to join Him in giving resources to those who need help the most. When Advent Conspiracy first began four churches challenged this simple concept to its congregations. The result raised more than a half million dollars to aid those in need. One less gift. One unbelievable present in the name of Christ.
How can anything so simple, be so hard to do.
Happy Christmas, and may Christ bring you amazing comfort and joy.
