Advent 2013 is right on top of us. We will begin our annual time of worship and meditations around the coming of Christ.
This year, stand by for ADVENT CONSPIRACY.
Our modern culture is very confused. There is no greater irony than Christmas in America! Think of this — God breaks into human history by becoming one of us in Jesus Christ, born to humble people, born among shepherds, bums, fisherman and as Joan Osborn would say, “slobs like us”. Nothing could possibly be more mysterious, wonderful, simple and low budget. Really.
Then, there is American Christmas…..spend all you can….flash bright lights and match clashing colors. Make noise. Have a Christmas wardrobe all of your own to haul out once per year.
The contrast belongs as the main display in the museum of the weird. So, as Christ-followers, how long are we going to live with this ridiculous irony? How about we put the brakes on this year? That’s what Advent Conspiracy is all about. We have a chance to be spiritual subversives who refuse to drown in the watery capital of consumerism. Instead, we love those around us well and dig deep into the awe and wonder of the coming of Christ that really is Christmas. But, how do we become legitimate advent subversives? The Advent Conspiracy will track a four week period wherein we offer key themes for re-framing this beautiful season.
Week one, we will talk about moving from sentimental Christmas to worshiping fully at the spectacle of the coming of Christ. O, Come let us adore Him! Worshiping fully is a conscious taking captive every thought and focusing on Jesus, not the glittering distractions that actually rob Christmas of its meaning.
Week two, we will hit the theme of Spend Less. Let’s think creatively about how to genuinely love those around us without capitulating to the consumer tendency to storm a mall and buy countless packages of marginally necessary stuff to give to others because they are probably going to give something to us.
Week three, we tackle the idea of Give More….but not the idea of giving more presents to people who may not need them, rather to give more in life-transforming ways to causes that provide relief and development that literally change lives and communities.
In week four, the challenge is Love All. At a time of year when we often close ranks in tight family and friendship circles, the call to love all challenges us to reach out and touch the world the way that God reached out and touched the world in the coming of Jesus.
As I have been praying and doing a little preparation for this series, it has really struck me hard that I need some real help and repentance in almost all of these areas. It’s too easy for me to talk a good line, then be the consummate consumer. So, I look forward to the change in my life and the opportunity to reflect with you on what a new view of Advent might mean to all of us.
Blessings and Peace,
Randy Rowland
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