Advent is already here and Christmas is coming soon (which is what Advent means!); maybe you’ve already seen a few snowflakes…
Of course, Christmas is about much more than snow, Santa, lights and presents under the tree (see Pastor’s Pen for more).
In preparing for these holy-days, we have come across a couple of interesting resources that we’re using in some of the special Christmas Services at Kingsview.
Two different websites: Advent Conspiracy (www.ac.wcrossing.org) and Forgotten Christmas (www.forgottenchristmas.org). Not only do they have catchy names but their aim is something we should all pay attention to as followers of Jesus, they’re encouraging us simply to remember Christ this Christmas!
It’s so easy to get caught up in what our culture promotes as Christmas, isn’t it? Some of it is good and some of it just distracts us from the real reason for the season. Here are a few simple suggestions to help you celebrate Christmas and stay focused on its true meaning:
Worship Fully
It starts and ends with Jesus: this is the 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 God.
It’s a season where love wins, peace reigns, and a king is celebrated. It’s the party of the year! Entering the story of Advent fully means worshipping Jesus passionately.
Spend Less
Before you think we’re going “Scroogey” on you, let’s explain what we mean. Gifts are good! Consider, though, buying one less gift this Christmas. Just one. Sounds insignificant, yet this small sacrifice helps us experience nothing less than a miracle: we’re more available to celebrate Christ during the advent season and have more available to give to others…
Give More
God’s gift to us is a relationship built on love. So it’s no wonder that we’re drawn to the idea that Christmas is a time to love our family & friends in memorable ways. Time is the real gift Christmas offers us; but no matter how hard we look, it can’t be found at the mall. Consider spending time with those that don’t have family & friends to spend Christmas with.
Love All
When Jesus loved, He loved in ways never seen: though rich, he became poor to love the poor, the forgotten, & the sick. By spending less at Christmas we have the opportunity to join Jesus in giving resources to those who need help the most…join the “Advent Conspiracy.” One less gift. One unbelievable present in Jesus’ name.
Merry Christmas from all of us at Kingsview FMC & Studio 15!