Now, here's a challenge for you!!
With all this talk of materialism, poor in spirit vs poor in 'stuff', selling possessions and the like, it occurred to me that some of us might consider demonstrating Jesus's message by NOT adding to 'stuff' this Christmas.
To this end, I have decided NOT to buy presents or send out cards for Christmas in favour of using the money I would have spent on putting together a hamper for a needy family.
Every year I am sickened by the greed and gluttony of the 'Festive Season' as retailers pull out all stops to exploit the sadly, human condition of acquiring 'stuff' to fill the 'emptiness of spirit'.
What a a great witness this simple act has the potential to be to children and adults alike!
So my challenge to you is to put your money where your FAITH is and join me in what has the potential to be a great witness to others and a valuable lesson for our children.
You might consider taking the whole family out on Xmas morning to deliver a hamper to a struggling family ..... what an awsesome start to the day THAT would be ;)
Any charity organisation such as Mission Australia, Salvation Army, Anglicare and so on could put you in touch with someone.
May you hear the voice of GOD as you seek guidance in this!
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An eight week journey of seeking God as we read.think.pray.live our way through the gospel of John
An Invitation
Please join us during this lead up to Christmas 2009 by doing the four things listed below. Anyone can join at any time throughout this 8 week period although obviously it would be best if you can begin with us on the first of November 2009.
Requirements:
1. Commit to seeking God EVERY DAY in Nov & Dec '09 in a way that is more radical than anything you have ever done before.
2. Read.think.pray.live your way through the Gospel of John in seven weeks (3 chapters each week) and then 1 John, 2 John, 3 John in the final week.
3. Listen to the Holy Spirit and obey whatever he says to do!!
4. Contribute your insights and experiences to this blog.
May we all continue to seek the Kingdom of God before anything else!
Requirements:
1. Commit to seeking God EVERY DAY in Nov & Dec '09 in a way that is more radical than anything you have ever done before.
2. Read.think.pray.live your way through the Gospel of John in seven weeks (3 chapters each week) and then 1 John, 2 John, 3 John in the final week.
3. Listen to the Holy Spirit and obey whatever he says to do!!
4. Contribute your insights and experiences to this blog.
May we all continue to seek the Kingdom of God before anything else!
8 comments:
Great post.
Another thing that I think about when it comes to the holiday season. When I consider the "poor" I often wonder if they get frustrated that about 2 days out of the year they get genuinely noticed...but the other 363 they're shrugged and disregarded.
Instead of just having food drives and toy runs to suppress our own guilt during the holidays, why don't we give continually...because honestly, they're not just hungry on Thanksgiving(American) and Christmas. They're just as hungry on December 26th as they were on the 25th.
I've been really considering the words of Jesus when He talked about the believers and the poor. My life doesn't reflect what Jesus is telling me to do, and I have to fix that some how. I don't want to serve the poor, I want to be with them. I want to do life with them some how.
One day after doing some ministry down town as I was driving home pondering these things, I felt the Lord say "If you have to do an outreach, if you have to reach out to help the poor, you're not close enough".
That really hit home with me.
As for the Christmas thing, I think it's a good idea to do that. But we also need to have the same heart and attitude for December 26th...and that's the tricky part.
Paul
Gemma, thanks for keeping us real!
I am not going to say I am not getting gifts for my family. I will. Excess is out but thoughtfulness is in.
But getting a hamper together is a wonderful idea. (Maybe a couple). Christmas is a significant time to give because it says something about our love for Jesus, and his love for who we give to. So even choosing what to put in is a special challenge. I also have opportunity to bless the B people who so often are not even on my radar!
Thanks Gemma.
On Luke 23 - I was struck by "what made the crowd turn so feral" that day. Seriously.
The devil had his day? One of his LAST days?
Thanks for dropping by Paul. It is an important issue. Some people may not be aware that your blog "howtobecomeamissionary" (see the links on the right) is linked to this one so thought I would give it a small plug :)
Great sentiments Gemma. I look forward to chatting further about this to see what we can do.
Luke 23 - what a sad but profound chapter!! Jesus is obedient to his father even unto death! The disciples did not know about chapter 24. I can't even begin to imagine how they must have felt.
Hi everyone, I'm just dropping by to say I'm on the walk with you, even though you haven't heard from me.
I have been reading the blogs with great interest. I had already read the Baker's book in one hit, but have been going back to every page where I had highlighted revelations and insights - which basically is on every page!
Whilst I'm very interested in the blog and am taking part in the reading, I've chosen not to write at this stage - I'd have so much to share and take too much time trying to articulate the kaleidoscope of insights and revelations for myself personally which I'm getting from many directions in my other readings, reflections, intercession, and many new relationships and experiences, parallel to reading Luke, Acts and the Bakers. It's all too intertwined in my spirit to be able to write down briefly / clearly enough for anyone to understand. My prayer is that it would be lived and acted out in my life rather than for me personally in time spent struggling to articulate it.
Bless you all, you precious brothers and sisters of mine!
Love from Louise.
Hello Paul and welcome :)
I liked your point re the other 363 days and am enjoying reading the posts and comments on your blog.
God Bless you on your journey!
Thanks Rosaleen for reminding me that giving gifts does not HAVE to be about excess.
Simple home-made tokens of 'appreciation' speak volumes and certainly, for me, touch my heart more than any store-bought 'stuff'.
A dear friend, emailed this with regards to Christmas and has given me permission to post this here:
The next morning we would go to the Mother Teresa's 'Home for the Aged' armed with guitar and sing carols to the inmates in each dormitory. We also arranged and paid for the inmates to get a 'special' lunch that day. It was very beautiful. Thought I'd share that with you.
Later as my children were young, we exchanged presents but they had to be of only $2. It was such fun to see the presents. On year Jose got banans all wrapped. Another year it was a packet of peanuts. So..................yet, we do need to put Christ back into Christmas.
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