Adapted from Advent Conspiracy
Take time to read Luke 2:1-24.
Remember that Jesus was born into the world in the most humble circumstances: a borrowed, dirty manger, the seemingly indifferent community of Bethlehem, the lowly status of the newborn King’s first visitors — and the temple sacrifice of two doves or pigeons (Leviticus 12:8 made a special provision for those who could not afford a lamb). These are all clues that point to the fact that Jesus was born into poverty.
Imagine reading this passage through the eyes someone who doesn’t have access to the same resources as you — clean water, food, shelter, clothing, a car, education, etc. How might reading it from this perspective change the way we worship God at Christmas?
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Read Matthew 25:34-40.
In Chapter 5 of Advent Conspiracy, the authors suggest:
This Christmas, one of the things that could distinguish a Christ-follower is a love that reaches out to the hungry and thirsty and sick and imprisoned, the unclothed and completely forgotten. What an act of worship this would be. What a glorious gift to those in need, but somehow such love is a gift to Jesus himself.
- In what sense are our acts of mercy and kindness a gift to Jesus?
- Do you believe that He takes such actions (or lack of them) personally?
- How would this change your perspective on serving the “least of these”?
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Can Christmas still change the world?
Hopefully by now you’re realizing that we believe the Advent of our Savior is the moment on which all our hopes rest. We believe that first Christmas really did forever change the world. But we are asking you to consider the possibility that the way we celebrate the birth of Jesus can also change the world.
Like never before, our world is in dire need of good news. And we can share the very good news of God coming to earth. We can tell that story in both word and deed. The hope, restoration, forgiveness, compassion, and sheer generosity of God — this is what people need to see and know and trust.
As we laugh and celebrate and mourn and grieve and serve and notice and touch the lives of others, we reflect the very love of God. And we believe that when we love as we have been so outrageously loved, Christmas can still change the world.
- Rick Mckinley, Chris Seay and Greg Holder
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