May we (at least our waste) decrease so He may increase

What would you like for Christmas? How much packaging will it come in? Our bins all overflow for weeks after Christmas... as we celebrate the birth of life in it's fullness, I am left with a real unease. The more we consume, the more we consume of our life and the lives of others both now and in the future.

In the days that lie ahead, if you have seen something you like for yourself. Wait a week and if you still want it go and buy it then.

Advent was traditionally a period of penitence and quiet anticipation. But now it seems no more than four weeks of frenzied consumption in which stress, needless debt and damage to God's creation have become its defining hallmarks.

Did you know...?

125,000 tonnes of plastic packaging will be thrown away this Christmas?
333,333 trees will be used for Christmas cards?

Countless unwanted "gifts" will end up, at best, in the charity shops and, at worst, in the landfill.

If Jesus returned in December 2012, what would he make of us doing all of this in His name?

So, instead of shopping, we want you to come together to celebrate and anticipate the birth of Christ together, in community, reducing your consumption footprint over the Advent period, the time famed for its excessive rate of consumption and to build friendships whilst doing so.

We say no to singing Santa mugs, golf ball washers and umbrella hats that will be discarded by the 12th day of Christmas, and yes to living simply, together, over the Advent period.

As we prepare for God's coming to us, and therefore our coming to Him, can we do so with a clear conscience with those sorts of statistics to do with the way we are treating each other (made in the image of God) and the Earth (God's good creation)?

For further thoughts see the Operation Noah website