Whose Birthday Is It Anyway?
Here's a helpful resource for celebrating Advent and
Christmas without getting overwhelmed by the lures of commercialism.
[11-22-02]
Thanks to Bruce Gillette!
Our Book of Order states that one of the "great
themes of the Reformed tradition" is "A faithful stewardship
that shuns ostentation and seeks proper use of the gifts of God's
creation" (G-2.0500). John H. Leith's Introduction
to the Reformed Tradition: A Way of Being the Christian Community
also highlights simplicity as an important part of our Presbyterian
heritage. Sadly, we American Presbyterians too often get caught up in
our consumer culture, including the commercialization of our Lord's
birth.
The 2002 edition of Whose Birthday Is It Anyway?
is a wonderful resource that needs to be in every home. This ecumenical
resource is done annually by Alternatives, "the organization that
equips people of faith to challenge consumerism, live justly and
celebrate responsibly. Started in 1973 as a protest against the
commercialization of Christmas, our focus is on encouraging celebrations
that reflect conscientious ways of living." You can see the table
of contents of this fine resource for families and individuals online at
the web site of Alternatives
for Simple Living.
See also the online
promotional kit for this advent resource: http://www.simpleliving.org/xb/PromoKit.html
The biblical
reflections on the lectionary texts for Whose Birthday Is It Anyway?
are written by Jim & Kathy McGinnis, directors of the Institute for
Peace and Justice and the authors of many fine resources, including the
popular Parenting for Peace and Justice. Check out this
Institute's web site at http://www.ipj-ppj.org/
The
2002 edition of Whose Birthday Is It Anyway? is available for
free (thanks to the Presbyterian Hunger Program) from Presbyterian
Distribution Service at 1-800-524-2612 or email at
pds@ctr.pcusa.org
(PDS Item # 7436001302)
Order
multiple copies now for your church and encourage other Presbyterian
friends in your area or online to get copies for their congregations.
Grace and
Peace,
Bruce
Bruce &
Carolyn Winfrey Gillette, Co -Pastors
First
Presbyterian Church, 305 South Broadway, Pitman NJ 08071
Office Phone:
(856) -589 -1050
Home Phone: (856) -589 -8444
Email: Bruce.Gillette@ecunet.org
Church Fax: (856) -589 -1051
Church
website: http://www.firstpresby.org/
