Spend Less
Spend less is an ambiguous goal. Spend less than what / who? The truth is there is no formula. The challenge of this tenet is to be willing to ask more questions, take time and then be open to hearing what God says in return. It requires us to plan
We can strive to thoughtfully evaluate what we support with our spending, and we allow our spending to support products, people, and causes worthy of being supported. Spending less on creative, intentional gifts can really show our love for others, and God’s love for all. More than just an invitation to say no to overspending, this is an invitation to a new way of celebrating
From our Ministry Team
- Last week we conspired to worship fully, to keep the focus of Christmas on Jesus
- This week we want to spend less on ourselves and use the money we save to help others
- This is not a new idea. Choosing to go without something, such as food, has always been a spiritual practice of the church. It is called fasting
- We often associate fasting more with Lent, the season before Easter, but it is just as relevant now in Advent
Activity: Tonight, when you eat dinner, try to calculate how much the meal costs
Bible Readings
Prayer
Lord, thank you for the path and examples for living you have provided
Please guide our feet and our hearts as we aim to walk openly in your footsteps day by day, especially in this Advent period
Reflection
Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians encourages them, and us, as believers, to walk in and practice the ways of God, using the examples provided by Jesus. He encourages lives ‘set apart’ for God; sound and respectful relationships where all parties are valued; fair dealings with others; embracing and living the faith, being calm, diligent, focussed on their work and their callings. May we also accept the gifts God has given us and use them daily to value, uphold and respectfully challenge as we seek daily to walk the path of following and serving God. May we freely give our time and energies in this way over this Christmas season
Some activities to help us Worship Fully (from the website)
- Make a Christmas budget and then stick to it. Don’t compare yourself to others, pray and do what is best for your family
- Research companies that are Fair Trade
- Pray for the people on your Christmas list before purchasing anything. Make spending a conscious decision that engages your heart
- It’s not just about the presents. Notice how much you’re spending on other Christmas activities (going out to eat, new outfits, wrapping paper, decorations, etc.). Find one area where you can cut back this year
- Write down five things you’re thankful for. Take inventory of how blessed you already are
- Set a spending limit as a family. Let everyone have the same amount to spend on each other. You’ll be surprised at how creative your kids will get!
- Donate old and unused clothes, toys, and books to a local organization. Notice how much stuff you actually don’t use or need
…And wisdom from the Tear Fund, on Facebook 26.11.22
Make Time, not food
Bring Joy, not a plate
Be Present, not buy a present
Wrap someone in a hug, not wrap gifts
Give a useful gift, not more stuff
Be Light, rather than seeing the lights