Advent Conspiracy

In 2006, five pastors got together to conspire to celebrate Christmas differently. Why? Because Americans spend $450 billion dollars a year on Christmas, much of it going on credit cards to purchase gifts that we can’t afford for people who don’t really need them.

We’ve turned the celebration of Christ’s birth into a gluttonous extravaganza of materialism that shines a spotlight on our wealth while doing nothing for those less fortunate. What is the Advent Conspiracy all about? It’s about Christians today choosing to rebel against the narrative of what the Christmas season is supposed to be about as determined by big retail marketers and American materialism.

It’s choosing to Worship Fully. Christmas marks the moment where God’s promise was fulfilled and love took form, tiny fingers and all. It is a moment that deserves our full attention and praise.

It’s choosing to Spend Less. Spending less isn’t a call to stop giving gifts; it’s a call to stop spending money on gifts we won’t remember in less than a year. By spending wisely on gifts we free ourselves from the anxiety associated with debt so we can take in the season with a full heart.

It’s choosing to Give More. The most powerful, memorable gift you can give someone else is yourself. And nobody modeled this more than Jesus. When it comes to spending time with those you love, it’s all about quality, not quantity.

It’s choosing to Love All. It all boils down to love. Love from a savior. Love to a neighbor in need. By spending just a little less on gifts we free up our resources to love as Jesus loves by giving to those who really need help.

To find out more about the Advent Conspiracy, check out their website at: www.adventconspiracy.org.