Christmas Pack #8
REMEMBERING WHOSE BIRTHDAY IT IS
The story is simple, yet startling. A baby was born in a barn and laid in a manger, with Mary and Joseph in attendance. Angels announced his birth to frightened shepherds in the dark stillness of a Bethlehem night, and Magi came with gifts to worship him. In this baby, the long-awaited Messiah, were realized the hopes and dreams of the world. He came to bring good news to the poor, release for the prisoners, sight for the blind, freedom for the oppressed. It is his birthday we celebrate at Christmas. And we honor Christ's birth by continuing his work.
AS INDIVIDUALS: Volunteer your time and skills to help society's devalued people. For example, help with a senior citizen lunch program, visit people in prison or work with an advocacy group.
AS HOUSEHOLDS: Divert 25% of what you spent in time and money last Christmas to those who are really in need. Discuss changing gift-giving practices with your family and friends and decide if it is worth giving up some of what you did last year in order to offer a present that will continue Christ's work.
AS GROUPS: Form a covenant group and commit a certain amount of time, energy and money to meet a need in your community. Or help those that are already trying to meet a need, such as providing food, shelter, reading lessons, transportation or community meals. Examine the impact of lifestyle on larger issues such as global justice, environmental protection and nuclear disarmament.
AS A CONGREGATION: Encourage those working in your denomination to combat hunger and poverty and promote social and economic justice. Contact those agencies and find out how you can support their work. Consider a yearlong commitment as well as a special Christmas offering.
On birthdays we find ways to honor the one whose birth we are celebrating. How will you celebrate Jesus' birth this year?
For more ideas, visit SimpleLivingWorks.org
Make copies of this resource under the Creative Commons attribution, not-for-profit license.
Simple Living Works! * SimpleLivingWorks@Yahoo.com
BLOG: SimpleLivingWorks.WordPress.com
| Blog INDEX
PODCAST |
Podcast INDEX
VIDEOS: YouTube.com/SimpleLivingWorks
MISSION: Equipping people of faith to challenge consumerism, live justly and celebrate responsibly // An all volunteer educational organization.