How do you celebrate Christmas?

Some statistics say that Americans spend 450 Billion dollars every Christmas.  Although the gift giving at Christmas can be traced back to the Wise Men who traveled from the East to see Jesus, we also give gifts today because of the influence of St. Nicholas.  I do find it somewhat odd how we have turned the celebration of the birth of Jesus into a holiday full of consumerism.  There are many organizations who are encouraging people of faith to spend money differently, especially during Advent and the season of Christmas.  Heifer International is a non-profit organization whose goal is to help end world hunger and poverty through self-reliance & sustainability.  Haiti Water Project is a group of missionaries who are trying to drill wells to provide adequate drinking water for those in Haiti.  Advent Conspiracy is probably the leading group responsible for encouraging people to spend differently, while giving money to help give adequate drinking water to those in Africa.  World Vision is a Christian organization that seeks to provide education and food for those who have very little.  There are many other ways to give of our time, resources, and gifts this season that will allow us a deeper knowledge of the birth of Christ in our world. 

The '00s: Goodbye (at Last) to the Decade from Hell

Time Magazine published an interesting article about the last 10 years. Advent is a season of hope and joy. If this past decade really has been the "Decade from Hell," I wonder what my role as a Christian might be this advent season to bring hope in places of despair.  Click the following to read the article.  The '00s: Goodbye (at Last) to the Decade from Hell