Advent Conspiracy

  • Dec 1, 2008

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Join us this December as we look at Christmas in a whole new way!!  We are joining churches from around the country in taking part in"The Advent Conspiracy."  We want to make Christmas a revolutionary event by encouraging the church to Worship Fully, Spend Less, Give More and Love All.

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 me explain what I mean. We like gifts.  My 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 at least ONE LESS GIFT this Christmas. 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. Looking for a few gifts that don’t cost a lot of money? Need some more ideas for relational giving? Head to www.RethinkingChristmas.com today.

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?

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.

OUR PART
On Sunday December 21st we are taking up a Special offering after our regular offering.  50% of the special offering will go to meet local needs.  50% will go to meet needs from around the world.  We will accept financial gifts throughout the month if you won't be able to be at church that Sunday.  Put Advent Conspiracy in the memo field.  I am praying that this Christmas will be very different from the past.