This is really not an “event”, but, rather, it is a choice of how to be during the Advent Season.
The story of Christ's birth is a story of promise, hope, and a revolutionary love. So, what happened? What was once a time to celebrate the birth of a savior has somehow turned into a season of stress, traffic jams, and shopping lists. And when it's all over, many of us are left with presents to return, looming debt that will take months to pay off, and this empty feeling of missed purpose. Is this what we really want out of Christmas?
What if Christmas became a world-changing event again?
What would it look like if we redistributed our money this Holiday Season to help those who have no clean water or are homeless? Americans spend more than 450 billion dollars during the Christmas Season and can you believe that it would only take 10 billion to solve the WORLD’s water crisis? And what if instead of spending time less time in a shopping frenzy, we actually redistributed our time too, so that we spent TIME with each other rather than the mall or online. Advent Conspiracy doesn't mean that you give up giving gifts. I'm not going all "Scrooge" in this wonderful season where the ultimate gift of Jesus was given to us. I LOVE Christmas, and I love gifts....both giving and receiving..but...
It's about considering to spend less this Christmas (maybe even buying one less gift—that gift you have to give out of obligation—or hand-making a gift instead) and redistributing your money for gifts that change the world. It's about 4 themes:
Worship Fully
Spend Less
Give More
Love All
So family and friends---As you go forth into this holiday season,
I encourage you to try to make your Christmas about:
- Worshiping Christ more meaningfully
- Refusing our culture's hunger for consumerism
- Giving relationally to our friends and family
-Loving all by giving to those most in need
Great reminder! Thanks for sharing Sarah! I also want to share the conspiracy!
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