Col 3:5 Don’t be greedy for the good Col 3:5 Don’t be greedy for the good things of this life for that is idolatry. things of this life for that is idolatry. Jesus saidJesus said

Mt 6:24 "No one can serve two Mt 6:24 "No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.and mammon.

1. Spending less does not 1. Spending less does not mean you mean you love love anyone less.anyone less.

2. Spending less means 2. Spending less means finding finding balancebalance between between

excessexcess and giving and giving nothing.nothing.

3. Spending less and giving 3. Spending less and giving more are not a contradiction if more are not a contradiction if

you give the gift of your you give the gift of your ““presencepresence.” The best gifts .” The best gifts

celebrate a celebrate a relationshiprelationship

The Christmas story is the greatest The Christmas story is the greatest example of giving the gift of example of giving the gift of

““presencepresence””

Jn 1:14 And the Word became flesh Jn 1:14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.and truth.

The Christmas story was The Christmas story was personalpersonal

…….“a Savior has been born unto .“a Savior has been born unto you”you”

The gift given by God was The gift given by God was costlycostly

……to give his life a ransom for to give his life a ransom for manymany. .

Advent Conspiracy StoriesAdvent Conspiracy Stories

Advent Conspiracy StoriesAdvent Conspiracy Stories

For considerationFor consideration

* Set your budget. Know your limits* Consider each person on your list before your start buying. Think about your relationship and what significance it brings into your life. How can you give a gift of “presence”?* Consider your core values and whether your buying reflects those core values. * Consider “giving more” by supplying “their” needs out of your abundance. How can you meet the needs of those who are poor, oppressed, hungry or hurting?