I am not a big shopper.
I have no problem going to the grocery store or making a concerted effort to find something a relative or friend might really want for Christmas or their birthday. Plus, I’ll admit, I like getting presents as much as the next guy.
For the most part, though, going on a shopping spree à la Black Friday isn’t my thing, though I understand the camaraderie and experiential nature of these trips.
The sentiment certainly seems to ring true with the Advent Conspiracy.
The concept is fairly simple: Shop less, give more to those who need it most and remember why Christians celebrate Christmas in the first place.
According to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, the group was started in 2006 by three pastors. Its program – downloaded from its Website – is now shown in more than 1,500 churches.
Please don’t take this as a rant against all shopping. We all know how important retail sales are to the economy. Giving your niece a stuffed animal you picked up at Wal-Mart isn’t going to forever sink the true meaning of Christmas.
Rather, the Advent Conspiracy should at least give us pause to think and reflect how, where and why we spend our money and time. That is about as practical as you can get.
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