Advent er… tnevdA

December 2, 2008 in Do Something with 8 Comments

There’s a movement happening.  It’s a pretty big one, and I think we should all get on board.  I’m sure most of you know every year around this time everyone asks for a little more.  Every blog you go to, there is probably a link to some great cause.  And they ARE great causes.

I have been praying and thinking and praying and crying lately.  What is this all for?  Why come November, does 80% of America put their bill payments on hold, sell their 401k, or their soul, to get other people gifts.  Why for 6 months after Christmas, are people talking about the debt they’ve acrued from doing this?  Is this what Jesus would want?  Is this what the meaning of the Birth of Christ means to us?

I don’t think so.  It makes me very very sad.  There are people in this world who can’t drink fresh water.  When people bring baby formula to their villages, the kids are dying, because they are mixing the formula with some nasty, infested waters, and in turn, they are inadvertantly poisoning their babies.  We are inadvertantly poisoning our youth too.  With stuff.  With cable.  With ABC ‘Family’. (Don’t get me started) With RazRs and Digital Camera’s, and the internet.

What can we do this year, that will make it different?  Spend less.  When you are shopping, shop for a good cause.  Your child wants clothes?  How about shopping at “To Write Love on Her Arms“.  Or somewhere that is for a good cause.  That way your money can go two places.

There are 1 million and one things you can do to make this year a little easier, and bring hope to the world.  If you go here it will give you a great run down.  Basically the idea, and my prayer for this year is for everyone to “Worship Fully; Spend Less; Give More; and Love All”

Lord, touch our hearts this year.  Help us be your body.  Your hands, and feet, and to spread Your message of love and redemption.  It’s by your grace I am saved Lord, and I never want to forget.  Lord, this year, when I get offers for credit cards, give me the strength to turn them down.  Lord, this season is all about You and it is so easy to forget that.  Please help me remember.  Thank You for Your Gift.  Jesus Christ.

Amen.

Seriously, here is a two minute video. Please watch. Thank you!

  • http://www.caffeinatedfaith.com/Blog/ tattood1

    Awesome!!! Just awesome!! Great post! Great vid!

  • just me

    I can not tell you how much I hate Christmas. I hurts to think that barely once a year people allow themselves to become broken by the gluttony of others just to become givers for but a short season, until the warm fuzzy feeling wears off. What's wrong with being broken every day, in revival everyday. Why do we allows ourselves to be guilted into doing good just once a year? Why? I know I shouldn't complain. At least their hearts break once a year.

  • http://www.kriskelley.com Kris

    You need to fix the link for Advent Conspiracy – you're missing the P :)

    I'm constantly in debt, so spending a little more around the holiday's doesn't bother me. I love giving presents. This year though, I am only handing out maybe 3 or 4 “tangible” presents. I intend for all of my other gifts this year to be philanthropic, homemade or edible.

    Thanks for posting Andy. Love you!

  • JillVictoria

    I'm proud to say that I have not put myself in any more debt over Christmas presents this year. I budgeted myself, shopped for sales only or made the gifts myself.

    You're right, people do overspend and then complain about their debt for half the new year just to lather, rinse and repeat come November again. We should all be more cautious spenders this year in particular. America has the “I want it now” attitude and that needs to be adjusted soon.

  • http://www.caffeinatedfaith.com/Blog/ tattood1

    Awesome!!! Just awesome!! Great post! Great vid!

  • just me

    I can not tell you how much I hate Christmas. I hurts to think that barely once a year people allow themselves to become broken by the gluttony of others just to become givers for but a short season, until the warm fuzzy feeling wears off. What's wrong with being broken every day, in revival everyday. Why do we allows ourselves to be guilted into doing good just once a year? Why? I know I shouldn't complain. At least their hearts break once a year.

  • http://www.kriskelley.com Kris

    You need to fix the link for Advent Conspiracy – you're missing the P :)

    I'm constantly in debt, so spending a little more around the holiday's doesn't bother me. I love giving presents. This year though, I am only handing out maybe 3 or 4 “tangible” presents. I intend for all of my other gifts this year to be philanthropic, homemade or edible.

    Thanks for posting Andy. Love you!

  • http://jillvictoria.site90.com JillVictoria

    I'm proud to say that I have not put myself in any more debt over Christmas presents this year. I budgeted myself, shopped for sales only or made the gifts myself.

    You're right, people do overspend and then complain about their debt for half the new year just to lather, rinse and repeat come November again. We should all be more cautious spenders this year in particular. America has the “I want it now” attitude and that needs to be adjusted soon.