Advent Conspiracy - Christmas Can Still Change The World

I found this link in my twitter stream the other day and it intrigued me that there could be some kind of secret conspiracy behind Advent, that liturgical season I love so much. I've never been one to shy away from a good conspiracy (growing up my dad always had well-worn copies of the Enquirer, The News and other reputable papers with pictures of bat-boy and aliens shaking hands with the President on the front page). A click or two took me to the Advent Conspiracy homepage (this is BIG folks...an entire section of the www is dedicated to this stuff!) where I found the following video;





If that isn't intriguing enough with it's secret plot to undermine the Christmas Machine for all time, their manifesto outlines things even more clearly;

Nobody wants a Christmas worth forgetting. The concept behind Advent Conspiracy is simple...

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 us 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.

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.

My final investigations into this mysterious underground movement led me to the radically subversive site rethinkingchristmas.com, with it's seemingly endless lists of alternative giving ideas and diy gifts that cost little to nothing in cash but fairly scream out one's personal interest and investment in your loved ones lives.

All in all, as crazy as it may sound, it seems there is indeed a conspiracy afoot. What else can you call it when a mysterious, elite group of individuals begin a nearly viral movement to turn one of the most important seasons of our liturgical year on it's head?

Don't believe me? Check it out for yourself and you'll see it is indeed an honest to goodness Advent Conspiracy!

Peace and God Bless

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Thanksgiving and The Carpenter

Thanksgiving is always a wonderful time to look back on the ways God has blessed our lives and give thanks. It is also a perfect time to look at those gifts we have been given and ask ourselves, "Am I doing justice to my skills, my talents, my treasures? Am I giving back what has been given to me? Am I helping to build the kingdom with Joy in my heart, or am I stingy? Does my giftedness move me to generosity with all I have, or do I hold back, afraid there will be nothing left in the end for me?"

It is on this theme that I share with you the following;

The Carpenter

A highly skilled carpenter had grown old was ready to retire. He approached his employer-contractor and told him of his plans to leave the house building business and live a more leisurely life with his family. He would miss the paycheck, but not the back-breaking labor...he was more than ready to retire.

The employer was sorry to see his good worker go and asked if he could build just one more house as a personal favor. The carpenter was reluctant at first; hadn't his boss been listening to him? He was exhausted, physically, and emotionally. He hadn't come in today to be given another job, he needed to rest, it was time for him to be served for a change!

His employer was a very persistent man, not used to taking 'no' for an answer. In the end, the carpenter agreed to this proposal but secretly promised himself that he would make sure sure this was his last project...ever!

Distracted by his frustration at not being able to finally enjoy 'the good life' the carpenter didn't pay the same kind of attention to building this house as he normally might have. His heart just wasn't in the project and it was not at all up to his usual standard of work. He resorted to poor workmanship and used inferior materials. All-in-all, it was an unfortunate way to end his career.

When the job was done, the carpenter called his employer and showed him the house. The employer rejoiced and patted him on the back. He was especially impressed that he had managed to complete the project in so short a time. Then he turned to the carpenter and smiled. He handed over some papers and the key to the front door saying, “You have been such a good and faithful carpenter. Your work has helped to build this company into the respected business that it is today, please accept this wonderful house, as my gift to you!”

Peace and God Bless

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