What is giving really all about? It seems today that so much of life makes demands on us… and especially within Christian circles. There seems, to me, an expectation on our lives to constantly be giving of our time, resources, of ourselves. Giving too much of yourself is not necessarily a good thing – and I learnt that the hard way. I know the pitfalls of “full-time” ministry, and listening to the call to “do more…give more… be more.” I’ve heard the questions…What are you doing with your life? What have you done for God? Why don’t you…? You could get involved with the youth… preaching…bible study…

So I’m not going to advocate listening to all the voices that constantly shout at us to “give more”. It doesn’t really help motivate people. AC (Advent Conspiracy) says the following:

God’s gift to us was a relationship built on love. So it’s no wonder why we’re drawn to the idea that Christmas should be a time to love our friends and family in the most memorable ways possible. Time is the real gift Christmas offers us, and no matter how hard we look, it can’t be found at the mall. Time to make a gift that turns into the next family heirloom. Time to write mom a letter. Time to take the kids sledding. Time to bake really good cookies and sing really bad Christmas carols. Time to make love visible through relational giving. Sounds a lot better than getting a sweater two sizes too big, right? Advent Conspiracy

The point here is not to suddenly give away all your time to those around you… perhaps I could urge you to TAKE TIME instead. Each one of us are individuals and we function best within relationship to others, but first and foremost we need to foster deeper relationship with God, and this can only be done by TAKING TIME. None if us would reject the notion that to form good relationships you need to spend time together. If we spend time with God then we will get to know him better, and that is what this season in part is about – God showing himself to us through a “helpless babe”. The great thing about spending time with God, whether that’s through listening to music, reading the Bible or out in creation looking and watching, we often can find refreshment to do all the other things that are asked of us – or at least perhaps for some – you may find the wisdom to know what to give and when to give it?!?

Related posts:

1. Advent Conspiracy – Spend Less
2. Advent Conspiracy – Christmas is coming!
3. Advent Conspiracy – Love All
4. Advent Conspiracy – Worship Fully
5. Advent Conspiracy – Changing the World