We don't have to tell you Christmas is getting bad. From Halloween until December 25th, America becomes a big fat wad of spending.
The upcoming film, What Would Jesus Buy, might shed some light on how we've changed our most sacred holiday, even if the subject (Reverend Billy and the Church of Stop Shopping Gospel Choir) is a little sensational. Morgan Spurlock, the mastermind behind "Supersize Me" is producing, so I can see good things happening.
It may be cliche, but ultimately change starts with each of us, individually. So here's how we change the direction of Christmas, and bring it back to its first focus.
The Advent Conspiracy started at my home church, Imago Dei here in Portland. Over a thousand churches nationwide have joined the cause.
I have two big extended families, and our Christmases are always a generous time of giving to each other. Part of me is sad to break that up, because giving gifts is a lovely gesture. I'm taking it one Christmas at a time, so I still buy gifts for my family members, but this year I'll be asking that the money they'd be spending on my gifts instead go to charity. If I do receive gifts, I hope they'll be small and thoughtful, a piece of art or a book, for instance.
Last year, our Christmas looked just a little different. This year, it'll change a little more. Maybe down the road, when I've got my own family to take care of, it will be completely different.
On the flip side, Christmas is huge for our American economy. If Americans didn't spend during the holidays, our fragile and weakening economy would get worse.
But last time I checked, we're called to more than bumping the stock market up. We're called to be ambassadors of Christ, and this is the time of year we celebrate our Savior coming to the world to save us. Render to Caesar what is Caesar's...we've got something bigger to live for.
Join the Conspiracy. Lobby your church to take part. Talk to your pastor, or your youth pastor. Tell your friends. Instead of shopping, volunteer your time. People may ask you what you're doing, why you're not out at the malls every weekend. That's not a bad way to start the dialogue.
Imago's associate pastor, Kevin Rogers, has more at his blog.
14.11.07
The Advent Conspiracy
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7 comments:
One little correction: a guy named Rob VanAlkemade actually directed "What Would Jesus Buy"; Spurlock produced it. I'm certainly looking forward to seeing it!
great post. I love Christmas, but nothing zaps away the spirtit of the season like trying to find a parking spot at the mall post-Thanksgiving.
thanks for the correction, cate...i did see that, but I guess you're right: Spurlock being "at the helm" is a little misleading.
My family and I started doing this a few years ago (although we didn't have a nifty name for it). This year I am including friends, so it will be a bit experimental. It's totally cliche, but I have found that one of the most appreciated gifts is time. Inviting a friend over for their favorite breakfast or dinner or taking an afternoon to teach my niece how to make bread have been far more memorable than the fancy shower gel that they may have ended up with!
This is something that I will try to do this year. It's gonna feel a little weird.
my pastor sent me info on this last week and i told him it would be great to do as a church. not sure if he's gonna take the plunge or not...it certainly shakes folks out of their consumer coma. we shall see...
My wife and I have decided to start our own AC tradition. This is our first year. We hope to celebrate with our own age old traditions (we too like egg nog).
I am trying to put together a meaningful present for my wife, and I have been so excited about it, that it has been easy for me to resist going for the easy consumer purchase. Assuming I can pull it off, she will be much more satisfied with the present.
For a run-down on my gift (and a chance to contribute), visit www.motherletter.blogspot.com. There is also a place for other conspirators to share what they are doing.
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