Saturday, November 28, 2009 Advent Conspiracy: Spend Less and Give More

The true story of Christ's birth is a story of promise, hope, and revolutionary love.

As we challenge you to worship fully this Christmas by spending less and giving yourself, I don't want you to think that we're "getting all Scrooge on you."

SPEND LESS

Let me be clear, I like gifts. My kids like gifts. But as we consider that America spends an average of $450 billion a year every Christmas, think about this.

How often have you bought a gift out of obligation?

A nice tie for your boss. A tin of popcorn for your co-worker. Too often, we are giving and receiving gifts out of obligation — and that misses the entire point of Christmas. Our worship of Christ at Christmas has nothing to do with obligation, and everything to do with adoration!

After venturing out on Black Friday yesterday morning (later, not earlier), it is clear that we are too involved in the materialism of Christmas instead of the miracle of Christmas. That is why we are challenging you to consider buying ONE LESS GIFT this Christmas. Just one. Choose your gifts thoughtfully and carefully as an expression of God's free gift to us, and allow yourself to be more available to celebrate Christ during the advent season.

GIVE MORE

As we give away less things, it opens up the door to give more of that one thing that people so desperately need — time in relationship. Instead of giving that sweater that no one really wants, why not give our friends and family the gift of relationship. It can't be found at WalMart, or Target, or Bob Wards. Relationship is God's gift to us through Christ, and we can give back in the most memorable ways possible.

Why not write your mom a letter? Create and decorate some ornaments with the kids. Take a friend out for coffee and have a long conversation. Bake really good cookies and sing really bad Christmas carols. Click here and see what others have done to give more during the advent season.

And then finally, remember the money you didn't spend?

Why not take some of that money and help others experience the love Christ this Christmas? While there are many opportunities out there, let me suggest just a couple in the next article. Listen, nobody wants a Christmas worth forgetting.

We challenge you to enter the story of God's love. Enter the Advent Conspiracy.