An Advent Conspiracy

It’s around this time of year-- the end of November and the beginning of December-- when I always start to get a little exasperated by the fact that before we are even able to finish the leftover turkey and cranberry sauce in our kitchens, the onslaught of Christmas marketing begins.  I get exasperated because, as Christians, the amount of marketing around Christmas can sometimes distract us from the fact that before December 25^th roles around, there is actually another very important season to celebrate—the season of Advent. 

The word Advent literally means “coming,” and it is a time when we prepare our hearts and spirits for the coming of God’s love into the world.  Yet in the midst of family obligations, travel plans, school Christmas concerts and all of the other events of the holiday season, it’s easy to forget that our primary focus during Advent should be on God.  We certainly wouldn’t know this from all the slick ads we see online, in the newspaper, or on TV—all of which are geared towards encouraging us to spend more time at the mall and buy more things we don’t need.  Therefore it’s up to us-- as Christians living in a post-Christian culture—to be intentional about living our lives a little differently than the massive consumer frenzy would have us do. 

That is in fact the mission of an internet campaign entitled “Advent Conspiracy.” They put it this way: “What was once a time to celebrate the birth of a savior has somehow turned into a season of stress, traffic jams, and shopping lists.  And when it's all over, many of us are left with presents to return, looming debt that will take months to pay off, and this empty feeling of missed purpose. Is this what we really want out of Christmas? What if Christmas became a world-changing event again?”  

And that is why, this Advent season, I would like to invite everyone to join with me in an experiment.  I would like to invite everyone to join the Advent Conspiracy.  Rather than letting ourselves get carried away with the superficial trappings of the holiday season-- rather than letting ourselves get overwhelmed by all the tasks we have on our to-do list-- let’s live differently this holiday season.  Let us embrace the true meaning of Advent and Christmas by worshiping more fully, spending less but giving more, replacing consumption with compassion, and actively sharing God’s love with all.  There are many ways to do these things, but here are some suggestions.  To worship more fully, consider spending time in contemplation, prayer, or scripture study rather than taking that extra trip to the mall.  To spend less but give more, consider making a small portion of your gifts be contributions to organizations like Heifer International, whose gifts can help poor families rise out of poverty.  Or simply spend less money and give more of yourself to the people you love.  For even more ideas about how to join the conspiracy, visit the campaign’s website at www.adventconspiracy.org  

The season of Advent is meant to be a time of spiritual renewal and active expectation as we celebrate “God with us.”  We are meant to watch, wait and pray, and to be alert for the movement of God’s spirit in the world.  Join me in the conspiracy, and let’s see if Christmas can once again change the world.