THE CHRISTMAS CONUNDRUMBy Jen Hatmaker

THE CHRISTMAS CONUNDRUMBy Jen Hatmaker

How do we deal with this Christmas cloud of

consumerism?

THE CHRISTMAS CONUNDRUMBy Jen Hatmaker

We remember what Jesus said and how He followed

His own advice.

Remember the Words of Jesus Acts 20:35 35 In all things I have

shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’

Remember the Words of Jesus Acts 20:35 35 In all things I have

shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’

BIG IDEA: It is more blessed to give than to receive because then you get to give AND receive…

Blessing = Happiness “All men seek happiness. This is

without exception. Whatever different means they employ, they all tend to this end. The cause of some going to war, and of others avoiding it, is the same desire in both, attended with different views. They will never take the least step but to this object. This is the motive of every action of every man, even of those who hang themselves.”

– Blaise Pascal, French writer and philosopher

Blessing = Happiness “All men seek happiness. This is

without exception. Whatever different means they employ, they all tend to this end. The cause of some going to war, and of others avoiding it, is the same desire in both, attended with different views. They will never takes the least step but to this object. This is the motive of every action of every man, even of those who hang themselves.”

– Blaise Pascal, French writer and philosopher

Psalm 127:3-5a 3 Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD,

    the fruit of the womb a reward.4 Like arrows in the hand of a warrior

    are the children of one's youth.5a Blessed is the man

    who fills his quiver with them!

Deaver Deals

Breaking Bad Habits by Starting Good HabitsColossians 3:5-10 Put to death

therefore…Colossians 3:12-17 Put on then…

Breaking Bad Habits by Starting Good HabitsColossians 3:5-10 Put to death

therefore…Colossians 3:12-17 Put on then…Matthew 12:43-45 43 When the unclean spirit has

gone out of a person, it passes through waterless places seeking rest, but finds none. 44 Then it says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ And when it comes, it finds the house empty, swept, and put in order. 45 Then it goes and brings with it seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they enter and dwell there, and the last state of that person is worse than the first…

Remember what Jesus said. Mark 20:31a 31a The second is

this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’

Philippians 2:4 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Philippians 4:17 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit.

Remember what Jesus said. Mark 20:31a 31a The second is

this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’

Philippians 2:4 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Philippians 4:17 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit.It IS a blessing to receive.

Remember what Jesus said. Mark 20:31a 31a The second is

this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’

Philippians 2:4 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Philippians 4:17 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit.It is MORE of a blessing to give.

The Top Ten Guidelines for Giving

The Top Ten Guidelines for Giving

“There are three conversions necessary: the conversion of the heart, the mind and the purse. Of these three, it may well be that we moderns find the conversion of the

purse the most difficult.”- Martin Luther

The Top Ten Guidelines for Giving

10. Give Generously

The Top Ten Guidelines for Giving

9. Give Regularly10. Give Generously

The Top Ten Guidelines for Giving

8. Give Deliberately9. Give Regularly10. Give Generously

The Top Ten Guidelines for Giving

7. Give Cheerfully8. Give Deliberately9. Give Regularly10. Give Generously

The Top Ten Guidelines for Giving

6. Give Sacrificially7. Give Cheerfully8. Give Deliberately9. Give Regularly10. Give Generously

The Top Ten Guidelines for Giving

5. Give Worshipfully

The Top Ten Guidelines for Giving

4. Give Quietly5. Give Worshipfully

The Top Ten Guidelines for Giving

3. Give Creatively4. Give Quietly5. Give Worshipfully

The Top Ten Guidelines for Giving

2. Give Collaboratively

3. Give Creatively4. Give Quietly5. Give Worshipfully

The Top Ten Guidelines for Giving

1. Give Proportionately

2. Give Collaboratively3. Give Creatively4. Give Quietly5. Give Worshipfully

This is NOT

Prosperity Gospel!

WHERE DO YOU FIND THE POWER TO LIVE THIS OUT?

Jesus followed His own advice. Hebrews 12:1-2 1 Therefore, since

we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

Questions to Ask Jesus:

1. What Christmas gift-giving traditions do I need to adjust next Christmas to not obscure the celebration of the Your birth?

2. What’s an intentional gift I can give to someone to cultivate their relationship with You?

3. Is the fact that You’ve entrusted me with so many resources an indication that you have given me the gift of giving and want me to learn to exercise it more frequently and skillfully?

4. What am I holding on to that is robbing me of present joy and future reward?

5. Do You want me to set a basic level of income and assets to live on, then give away whatever you provide beyond that (regardless of whether that’s 50%, 90%, or more)?

`