If you're like me, you've probably already given your ambitious Christmas list to someone in your family or a good friend. And those of you who would give the very clothes off your own back may almost be complete with your Christmas shopping already! However, this is one of those rare times that procrastination plays into our favor. If you haven't already jumped into the largest consumer rat race, you may want to consider taking a different approach this year.
Last year, in America alone, consumers handed over nearly $455 million to cashiers and credit card companies in "celebration" of Christmas. And I highly doubt the majority were purchasing Bibles, Jesus action figures, or David v. Goliath for the Playstation 3. A large portion of this money more than likely funded quickly-forgotten, plastic-molded inanimate objects. I think we'd all agree that this seems grossly inadequate considering the origination of the Christmas holiday.
In order to help shift our focus back to Christ, four churches/organizations conspired last year to steal back the focus of the Advent. This fledgling group was able to redirect nearly $450,000 to help others in much greater need than ourselves. In particular, the money was donated to Living Water International, whose charter is to bring clean drinking water to the world. Their concerted effort was labeled the Advent Conspiracy.
This year, almost 1,000 churches/organizations are committed to this conspiracy. The idea is simple: spend less, give more. This is realized through our reduction in over-consumption, over-spending, and selfishness and an increase in our giving to those in need and spending quality relational time with our friends and family. Think of the possible impact!
I hope you've saved your receipts! Actually, I am quite kidding. My intent is not to guilt anyone into ditching their gift exchanges altogether or rob anyone of the joy of giving (I truly believe that God can bless us through giving gifts). I am simply asking us all to wrestle with this idea of blessing the poor this year instead of the big-box stores. Elizabeth and I have definitely struggled with nearly 30 years of consumer tradition, but we are most definitely participating on some level. Let's qualitatively spend time with friends and family this Christmas, and make a difference by passing on the "simple" blessing of clean water to the world!
I've most definitely rambled way too much. For the complete details and a much more effective description of their vision, please check out their site at www.adventconspiracy.org.
Last year, in America alone, consumers handed over nearly $455 million to cashiers and credit card companies in "celebration" of Christmas. And I highly doubt the majority were purchasing Bibles, Jesus action figures, or David v. Goliath for the Playstation 3. A large portion of this money more than likely funded quickly-forgotten, plastic-molded inanimate objects. I think we'd all agree that this seems grossly inadequate considering the origination of the Christmas holiday.
In order to help shift our focus back to Christ, four churches/organizations conspired last year to steal back the focus of the Advent. This fledgling group was able to redirect nearly $450,000 to help others in much greater need than ourselves. In particular, the money was donated to Living Water International, whose charter is to bring clean drinking water to the world. Their concerted effort was labeled the Advent Conspiracy.
This year, almost 1,000 churches/organizations are committed to this conspiracy. The idea is simple: spend less, give more. This is realized through our reduction in over-consumption, over-spending, and selfishness and an increase in our giving to those in need and spending quality relational time with our friends and family. Think of the possible impact!
I hope you've saved your receipts! Actually, I am quite kidding. My intent is not to guilt anyone into ditching their gift exchanges altogether or rob anyone of the joy of giving (I truly believe that God can bless us through giving gifts). I am simply asking us all to wrestle with this idea of blessing the poor this year instead of the big-box stores. Elizabeth and I have definitely struggled with nearly 30 years of consumer tradition, but we are most definitely participating on some level. Let's qualitatively spend time with friends and family this Christmas, and make a difference by passing on the "simple" blessing of clean water to the world!
I've most definitely rambled way too much. For the complete details and a much more effective description of their vision, please check out their site at www.adventconspiracy.org.
