Monday, November 14, 2011

The Hole In Our Gospel and Giving Christmas Away

I've been working on a book review of The Hole In Our Gospel written by the President of World Vision, Richard Stearns.  I've never written a book review, but after reading this book (which took months because of how hard it was for me to digest this fresh perspective of what God is calling us to do) I want to do everything in my power to make sure everyone reads it - regardless of their faith.  However, the review has been lodged in my throat for weeks.  There were no words I could use that more beautifully capture Rich's story and charge to us than his own. 

Then I was sitting in church yesterday listening to the mission pastor talk about Grace's Alternative Christmas Market.  In December, our church hosts a market which allows you to purchase a gift for your friends or family but the present actually goes to someone in need.  So the recipient on your end gets a card and picture with a description of what has been bought, but someone else receives the gift and it is more precious than anything we could possibly pick up at Macy's for our aunt or assistant.  This market is a perfect illustration of what The Hole implores us to do.  The Hole reminds us that being a Christian is more than having a personal relationship with Christ; it also "entails a public and transforming relationship with the world."  If we have no outward expression of our faith, then it has a hole.  A big one. 

Rich shares his vision for how the world could be changed if Christians would do what Christ actually calls us to do.  But he shares it from an intensely personal place. He was a CEO of a major American corporation.  He had put himself through college and an MBA program.  He'd overcome great obstacles and was a "good" Christian along the way.  He and his family went to church and gave to mission programs, but with his luxury car and home and lifestyle he had avoided major sacrifice.  Then God called him to lead World Vision.  His life has never been the same.  He shares vivid stories of what he has seen across the globe, the suffering and hurt and disease, and then he shares how we can actually make a difference.  While The Hole is oftentimes incredibly daunting because of the enormity of the problem that faces millions of people worldwide, it is also hopeful that great positive change can come if we would all step up and contribute.

Let me urge you to consider two things today.  One, read The Hole In Our Gospel.  But be ready, it will challenge your perspective on what you do and how you spend your money.  If you can't afford a copy, let me know and I'll send you one.  Two, consider an "alternative" Christmas this year.  Don't do anything radical and impose it on your whole family, but implement this gift-giving strategy for you alone.  Ask those people who traditionally buy you gifts to donate the money they would spend to someone who REALLY needs it.  If you don't know where to donate, consider World Vision.  Their reach is extraordinary and they can do so much with so little - there's a list of items on their website you can purchase as alternative gifts.  If you live in Houston, then considering visiting Grace's Joy to the World Gift Market on Sunday, November 27th. Can you imagine what the world would look like this Christmas if one member of every family in America made the choice to only give instead of receive?  If your only presents under the tree were cards telling you what gift was being delivered to a person in need?  Meals to the Star of Hope.  A goat for hungry children in east Africa.  Spanish language Bibles to the church with no walls in Guatemala.  $1,100 worth of essential medicines, like antibiotics, to children in desperate need for $100. 

I heard this song by Matthew West for the first time yesterday.  It sums this challenge up.  We have the power to make a difference in a life or lives.  All we need is the resolution to do it.  Will you join me?

What if I told you
You have the power
To give someone hope
Beyond their wildest dreams
What if I told you
It’s right there in your hands
In your hands
It’s hard to imagine
How something so small
Can make all the difference
Tear down the tallest wall
What if December
Looked different this year

What if we all just
Give this Christmas away
If there’s love in your heart
Don’t let it stay there
Give this Christmas away
And your life will be changed
By the gifts you receive
When you give this Christmas away

It’s feeding the hungry
Serving the poor
It’s telling the orphan
You’re not forgotten anymore
It’s doing what love does
Even when no one’s watching you
Give this Christmas away
If there’s love in your heart
Don’t let it stay there

Give this Christmas away
And your life will be changed
By the gifts you receive
When you give this Christmas away
For God so loved the world
That He gave His only Son
So we could be
His hands, His feet, His love

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