Give More
We’ve talked about rebelling against consumerism by spending less but now we’re encouraging that we give more… Is that a contradiction? No – giving more isn’t about giving more stuff but about being intentional and relational by giving more of our time, our energy, our memories, our talents, our presence. God gave us the life and example of Jesus as a gift. Let’s spend less, celebrate Christmas differently and demonstrate the gift of loving and giving through our actions
From our Ministry Team
- We have already conspired to worship fully our Lord Jesus and spend less on ourselves
- This week we are thinking about how to give more to those we love
- Some of the most important things don’t cost money but can cost us personally. We can give more of ourselves and spend time with our friends and family
- John the Baptiser spent his time telling people to turn to God and expect Jesus to come. In today’s Bible reading John had even been put in prison for it. He gave a lot!
Activity: Read Matthew 11:2-5 and identify other good things that Jesus describes people being given
Bible Readings
Prayer
Father God, as we gather with family, may we be more aware of those who have no close family
Encourage us to reach out to the lonely. A phone call, a coffee, an invitation to share with another, to be a voice for the lonely
Reflection
Mary’s Song in Luke has become one of the great hymns of the church. It frames the beginnings of the New Testament but is born out of the Old Testament. Its verses are distinctly Jewish. These scattered words brought Hope to God’s people in difficult times. The song of Mary announces to the world one who is to come, born in a manger, a gift from God for the people of God
Some ideas to help us Give More (from the website)
- Check out our list from the Advent Conspiracy website(https://adventconspiracy.org/relational-gift-ideas/)
- Start small. Choose one person on your list to give a relational gift to
- On Christmas morning, turn off your phone. Take a couple hours to be present with your family and focus on the people God has put in your life
- Invest in experiences you can share. Sign up for dance lessons, go camping, plan a vacation, take cooking classes
- Pass down memories. Make a recipe book or photo album to give to your family
- Get a blank journal and write notes and prayers to your kids
- Give a copy of your favourite book to a friend and then meet up for coffee and discuss it. Then switch and read their favourite book
- Buy someone a gift that relieves a burden: babysitting money, help out with yard work, make a meal
- Give the gift of hospitality. Invite a new family over for dinner and games
- Do an activity with your kids – puzzles, jewellery making, baking, hiking, fishing, sports. Be present