Conspiring about Advent

$450 billion.  That’s what the folks at the Advent Conspiracy website say we spend in the U.S. on Christmas each year (these statistics are based on 2006 figures).  While Christmas shopping has already been on my list for a few weeks now, I have to admit that this figure has stunned my approach a bit.

The conspiracy’s website urges Christ-followers to consider an alternative path this Christmas: worship fully (focus on Jesus’ story), spend less (consider buying one less gift as a starting point), give more (time to others, home-made gifts, and yes—money to those in need), and love all (even the poorest of the poor) in our Advent and Christmas celebrations this year.  Check out the video they put together:

Whether you and the kids in your youth ministry participate in this initiative or some other others-oriented effort this season, we’d love to hear about the ways engaging in justice is making a difference in the lives of your community.  Post a comment here or email us at fyi@fuller.edu with your stories!

©2008 Fuller Youth Institute