In lieu of sending out Christmas cards this year, we are wishing you a Merry Christmas via our blog! Now I know this will not win me any "Miss Manners" awards, but I hope you will read on and see the reason behind it.During this advent season, our church has been a part of the "Advent Conspiracy" - a movement trying to change the focus of Christmas from the consumerism it has become in America, to a holy event of worship and giving to those in need. One of the things we decided to spend less on this year was Christmas cards - and believe it or not, this was a hard one for me to give up because I truly do enjoy sending them out each year. But we were able to take the money that we normally spend on cards/photos/postage (along with money saved on spending less on some other things) and give it to a cause that we are passionate about - HOPE International.
Even before we heard of the Advent Conspiracy through our church, my Mom suggested to our family that instead of getting gifts for each other, we could combine our money and give it to the orphanage where my nephew Caleb lived before my brother Danny and his wife Kristen adopted him about a year ago this time. Everyone loved this idea and it was such an act of worship to give to these dear people that cared so lovingly for our little Caleb Eyobel. Thanks again Mom for inspiring us to do what for me was one of the highlights of the Christmas season.
This year, we will not make it out to Wisconsin to celebrate with our loved ones there. To you all - - we miss you, love you very much and plan to be with you again next year!
And to all of our dear family and friends, we wish you a quiet, stress-less, holy Christmas and invite you to take part in the Advent Conspiracy by worshipping more, spending less, giving more, and loving all. We have found it to be truly refreshing, and think you will too.
We love you! Merry Christmas!
Love,
Jon, Dawn, Sophia & Anthony
p.s. please leave us a comment to let us know you stopped by!
13 comments:
Merry Christmas, guys! xoxoxo, The Rileys
What a GREAT Christmas card :) Love it. Merry Christmas guys!! The Hammes's
That is so inspiring, Dawn! I have loved reading the Advent conspiracy website. So convicting and motivational. Imagine all the good your family's money will do at the orphanage this year, that is truly world changing. Your family photo is so sweet.Love ya ~Tiffani
Great idea Dawn! Megs and I were discussing that same aspect of giving more last night. I hope we can think of something that is as creative as your idea. We ordered those darn cards yesterday!
Merry Christmas!
Matt de Montaigne
Great Christmas card! It’s hard sometimes to not get so caught up in the commercialism or see so many people who take the Christ out of it (xmas). We still do birthday cake for Jesus on Christmas Eve and Jenna gives a gift for Jesus to the church (usually a toy for the nursery). The Advent Conspiracy is very inspiring. I plan to read into it more.
Happy Holidays!
~Maria~
Merry Christmas DiCo's. We love you and will miss you this Christmas
Danny, Kristen, and Caleb
As Matt said we ordered our cards yesterday - but we got a good deal so I can live with it! :)
Maybe I'll have to find a way to put my blog address on it - definitely a good way to communicate and connect with others.
Giving to Caleb's orphange was such a nice personal special way to give back. I'm praying that God will really lead us to who or what he wants us to give - sometimes it's hard to know which direction to go when there is so much need.
Thanks for the update and Merry Christmas!!
Love you! Merry Christmas BFF!
Greg would like Jon to know that he is very happy that you cut your hair. He says that you are looking good.
Merry Christmas, from the Snow's.
awesome ... "that's what christmas is all about, charlie brown" ... tim
Dawn,Jon,Sophia and Anthony,
I enjoyed your family Christmas photo and your message- too bad more people don't adopt your theme. Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy, and Propserous 2008!
L,
Nancy
Dawn,
So neat to hear about your giving to the orphanage, less spending, less stress, etc! We were able to participate in preparing and eating a meal with residents of a low-income housing building in Pennsburg that day. A unique experience, and so worthwhile. It's exciting to see how God is leading you guys!
May your home be blessed this coming new year.
Love,
Ginger
Hey guys,
This was a fabulous idea. Now if only Joe and I could keep up a blog spot like many of you....but knowing us we wont. HA! Anyway, I hope you had a Merry Christmas! We'll see you in the new year.
love, Joe & Rachael Roberts
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