Christmas can still
change the world!
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?
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.
Before you think we’re
getting all Scrooge on you, let me 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.
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 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? Just click here and see
what you can do to give more during the advent
season.
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 presented 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.
