Advent Conspiracy began in 2006, the brain-child of three pastors in the United States who were frustrated with the stresses of Christmas. Consumerism is at its height in the weeks ahead of Christmas, with pressure to spend big, to treat oneself. Excess is assumed.
Often the church response to this hyper-consumerism is to insist on the ‘real meaning of Christmas’ without challenging the culture around it. Advent Conspiracy went further by challenging churches to approach the whole season differently.
Their invitation into the ‘conspiracy’ has four principles:
- Worship Fully – a commitment to Jesus as the beginning and end of Christmas
- Spend Less – reject overconsumption and spend money thoughtfully, supporting local business
- Give More – give time rather than things, and give relational presents that are more meaningful
- Love All – follow Jesus in his love and concern for those at the margins
Over the years the idea has grown into a mini movement, with churches all around the world taking part. If you’d like to get your community involved, the website has a host of resources, including liturgies, sermons and song lists. There’s no right or wrong way to be part of it – just see what you might be able to try to introduce a counterpoint to hyper-consumerism during the Christmas season.
Joy in Enough 