12th Dec 2012, by Timothy Tai-
The Christmas Carol Conspiracy
A few years ago, one suburban church in Philadelphia started a new tradition which they named the ‘Christmas Carol Conspiracy’. It all began with a desire to do something for the families in the inner city (i.e. the poorer neighborhoods) of North Philadelphia. The church got in touch with a group of believers who lived in the inner city and they in turn came up with a list of a dozen of their neighbors who had a particularly difficult year such as someone who lost their job, a neighbor whose house caught on fire and a family whose 14 year old teenage daughter got pregnant that year.
Then one night, the suburban co-conspirators showed up at each of the families’ homes and surprised them with Christmas carols. Once the singing was over, the carolers gave each family (who had no idea who the carolers were!) a plate of cookies and headed off. The best part was that underneath the plate of cookies was an envelope with several hundred dollars and a note that said, “Know that you are loved. Merry Christmas.” (One year, the ‘Christmas Carol Conspiracy’ resulted in USD $10,000 being given away to families in need around the city).
The Advent Conspiracy
Elsewhere in America, 5 pastors from 3 different churches decided that they were tired of Christmas being nothing more than the biggest consumer spending event of the year. So they got together and conspired to transform Christmas into a revolutionary event instead by encouraging their congregations to… Well, why don’t you just see for yourself?
Needless to say, the response was overwhelming and the Advent Conspiracy was born. In just a few short years, they have raised millions of dollars to provide clean water in developing countries and they have just recently partnered with International Justice Mission, an organization dedicated to the eradication of human slavery.
What if…?
What if we joined the Advent Conspiracy or carried out the Christmas Carol Conspiracy in our own neighborhoods? Or better yet, what if we came up with our own ‘conspiracies’ to be a blessing and spread God’s love this Christmas? Imagine how different this Christmas might be to our neighbors and friends who don’t know Jesus. Think of the impact that we could make.
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. – Matthew 5:16
Other Christmas Conspiracies…
The two ‘conspiracies’ described above were hatched by regular Christians who just wanted to bring glory to God. Here’s another possible ‘conspiracy’ that you could carry out with your friends or home group.
The “No Gift” Conspiracy
If you have a close circle of friends that you normally exchange Christmas gifts with, how about deciding NOT to buy a present for each other at all this year? Instead, pool the money that you would have spent on gifts for one another and give it away to someone whom you know is in dire financial need (like a friend who had to undergo an expensive medical procedure) or to a cause that you feel passionately about.
I’d like to invite you dear readers, to help spread this Christmas conspiracy by sharing this with your friends or by adding your own suggestions in the comments section below. Happy conspiring!
Dear Viewers in Christ, if you find this article edifying to you, please share with your friends or loved ones by using the social media plugs (Share, Email to this article). The Lord will surely bless you as you bless others. May the Lord’s peace and love be with you. Amen.
Note: Timothy grew up in Kuching and worked in KL before jumping off the corporate ladder in 2006. He moved to New York City where he served at an inner-city kids ministry for almost 6 years. He has since returned to KL and has just married his Irish fiancee Sarah.
Disclaimer: The views or opinions expressed by the columnists are solely their own and do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of Christianity Malaysia.com
References for pictures:
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JukH0r99PbE/T_–euU6X5I/AAAAAAAAAqM/T9y79NIcr8A/s1600/homeless.JPG
http://pr.ak.vresp.com/772fec16c/cdn.blisstree.com/files/2010/11/93146459.jpg?__nocache__=1
http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lxrky4j58n1qgbc23.jpg
Wonderful, I love the message and the video