Thanksgiving is just a few days away and besides a grateful heart, an eating frenzy, parades and a day of football, the next thing on people's minds is probably what comes next: Black Friday. Oh, the infamous black Friday, where retailers go from being in the red to being in the black, where consumers dive further into the red because the deals are just too good to pass up. I understand. I love a good deal. I love buying the perfect gift for family and friends (or even myself). Believe me, I am no scrooge. But I'd like to take a step back for a second and talk about something.
I realize that we don't all share the same faith, beliefs or ideas about Christmas. Some celebrate it as the birth of a Savior, others see it as a time for peace and goodwill, for some it's all about eggnog and the Carpenters Christmas album (my all time favorite, by the way). And then there are those that don't celebrate Christmas whatsoever. Whoever you are, whatever you believe, would you consider for a moment what it would be like if we all changed our perspective on Christmas. If we gave time, created memories, spread love, created hope, maybe even changed the world. Yes, the whole world - a lofty Christmas goal, but why not? Advent Conspiracy is a movement to do just that. The concept is simple: worship fully, spend less, give more, love all. Please take a couple minutes to watch the video below.
I realize that we don't all share the same faith, beliefs or ideas about Christmas. Some celebrate it as the birth of a Savior, others see it as a time for peace and goodwill, for some it's all about eggnog and the Carpenters Christmas album (my all time favorite, by the way). And then there are those that don't celebrate Christmas whatsoever. Whoever you are, whatever you believe, would you consider for a moment what it would be like if we all changed our perspective on Christmas. If we gave time, created memories, spread love, created hope, maybe even changed the world. Yes, the whole world - a lofty Christmas goal, but why not? Advent Conspiracy is a movement to do just that. The concept is simple: worship fully, spend less, give more, love all. Please take a couple minutes to watch the video below.
What do you think? Powerful, isn't it? That's the kind of Christmas I want. One of presence, lasting memories, love and hope. One that changes hearts, lives, communities, continents. One that doesn't leave me in debt, but leaves me in awe. I want in.
Next week I'll be starting a short series on how to worship fully, spend less, give more, love all. I would love it if you would join me. Ashley at The World So Sweet is also doing a more in depth series so please check her out as well.
There will be time to talk about this in the days and weeks to come. For now, let's all enjoy this week of Thanksgiving. One holiday at a time. One moment at a time.
Thankful,
Kim
I love the idea! A conversation Em and I had to have was about Santa Claus. It's more than I can write here, but it was a good time of reflection on the intent of the holidays. I'm excited to check this out more. Oh, Carpenters. I think because my sister loved and listened to that album so much, it has moved up in my list of holiday album favorites. Kind of embarrassing to admit.
ReplyDeleteYes, you should check out the website: http://www.adventconspiracy.org. There's resources for pastors and churches as well.
ReplyDeleteOh, and don't you know - real men sing along to the Carpenters. This is a well-known fact among us women.
Hi Kim, That was a great video. A great reminder. A great way to begin thinking about the holiday season, since it's creeping up and I am in denial that it's almost Thanksgiving! A great start to a new beginning! Thanks!
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