Relational Giving

Two weeks ago, our pastor challenged us to re-think the Advent season and the commercialism of Christmas. Since I've been doing a lot of reading and thinking about commercialism and excess, this was a powerful message to me. I felt very convicted to not just "talk" about giving to those in need this Holiday season, but to really do it. On our church website is a summary of what the Advent season should be about:

The Vision for this Advent:
Here are the themes we see in the advent of Christ that we would like to pursue as a congregation:

* God became poor so that we could be rich.

* God gave himself relationally.

* When Jesus showed up, people worshipped him.

* When we receive, we receive Jesus, not stuff.
http://www.imagodeicommunity.com/article/advent-2006

Therefore, instead of giving costly gifts, we've been challenged to take the money and put it instead towards those who are really in need--both locally and globally. There is a list of initiatives that the money will serve on the website listed above.


If any of my family or close friends are reading this, I am giving you the heads up now that your Christmas gift will probably be handmade and simple. But that we have pledged to give $300+ to helping those who are truly in need this Advent season, and therefore you too are a part of this giving.