So far, I have discussed the first two concepts behind Advent Conspiracy – Worship Fully and Spend Less. Today, we’re going to look at the third concept – Give More. Here’s the Advent Conspiracy video in case you missed it:
Give More
When you choose to Spend Less, the idea isn’t that you don’t give anything at all. The goal is for you to Give More. Instead of buying something that doesn’t really let someone know you care about them, you give them something more – more valuable and more meaningful – like your time.
Christmas should be a time to love our family, friends, and even our enemies in the most memorable ways possible. But what do you remember most from Christmas as a kid? Was it the presents? Or was it the time spent making memories with your family and friends?
The best memories we have of Christmas are the times spent deepening our relationships with each other. So after you decide to Spend Less, choose to Give More by giving your time.
Give your time by making a special gift that will be cherished for years to come. Or give your time by writing a letter of appreciation, encouragement, or just to keep in touch. You can give time by taking your kids sledding or going ice skating with your friends. Or take time to bake some really good cookies.
When you Give More of your time, you’re making your love visible to others. You’re creating memories that both of you will fondly remember many years down the road. You’re choosing to make Christmas less about buying gifts and more about giving love.
That’s what God did when He sent His Son to us. He was giving His love to us because He wanted a relationship with us. And that’s why we are drawn to the idea that Christmas should be a time to love our friends and family in the most memorable ways possible. God gave us the Greatest Gift not by going to the mall and buying lots of Stuff but by giving us a Way to have a deeper, more meaningful relationship with Him.
So follow God’s example this Christmas season and Give More. Give presence!
If you enjoyed this article, you might also be interested in:
- Advent Conspiracy: Worship Fully
- Advent Conspiracy: Spend Less
- Make Christmas Meaningful
- New Covenant Giving: Give in Response to Jesus’ Gift
- New Covenant Giving: Give Under Grace Not Commandment
