Advent Conspiracy: Making Christmas Meaningful

by Rick McKinley, Chris Seay, Greg Holder

An updated and revised version of a book that has impacted thousands of churches: Are you tired of how consumerism has stolen the soul of Christmas? This year, take a stand! Join the groundswell of Christ-followers who are choosing to make Christmas what it should be--a joyous celebration of Jesus' birth that enriches our hearts and the world around us, not a retail circus that depletes our pocketbooks and defeats our spirits. 
Advent Conspiracy shows you how to substitute consumption with compassion by practicing four simple but powerful, countercultural concepts: Worship Fully--because Christmas begins and ends with Jesus. Spend Less--and free your resources for things that truly matter. Give More--of your presence: your hands, your words, your time, your heart. Love All--the poor, the forgotten, the marginalized, and the sick in ways that make a difference. Find out how to have a Christmas worth remembering, not dreading. Christmas can still change the world when you, like Jesus, give what matters most--your presence.
This updated and revised version, with some all-new content, will share stories of the impact this movement has made around the globe as well as giving individuals and churches even better, more practical help in planning the kind of Christmas that truly can change the world.
New introduction, new chapter and changes throughout.
(Additional small group resources online)

Genres: Christian, Christmas, Faith, Nonfiction

172 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 6, 2018

Reviews

[Swayze Rainey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This book is challenging and refreshing. Now, let’s see if I can practice it! Rethinking Christmas and bringing the focus back to Jesus :)

[Alan Castro · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not a deep dive on the theology of advent, but an important reminder for Christians. Christmas is about the hope we have in Christ, who became flesh for us. Our time, money, and efforts should not be centred on material things, but on spreading the hope that we have in Christ through tangible giving to those in need.

[Bible Gateway · Rating 5 out of 5]

Advent Conspiracy, a book that has impacted thousands of churches, shows you how to substitute consumption with compassion by practicing four simple but powerful, countercultural concepts: Worship Fully—because Christmas begins and ends with Jesus. Read our blog post with Rick McKinley, Chris Seay, and Greg Holder here: https://bit.ly/2svbRLb

[Tara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book! I would suggest if anyone is thinking of doing this as a church study, to start it in November. I think it is a good idea to use it in preparation for Advent, so that once Advent has started you can implement the principles.

[Meghan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Changed it up a bit for a holiday read. While I understand a lot of the ideas in this book I can’t say I’m totally onboard 😬 But I do think the overall theme of how much money we spend for holidays and what else we could do with that money is impactful. I will carry this throughout the year and not just the advent season and look for opportunities to give more and spend less in 2024

[LeAnn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a re-read of the updated version. Advent Conspiracy was presented to us at the right time. We were just starting our family and creating our own traditions. It really helped to shape how we do Advent and Christmas. This was a great reminder on why we do what we do and a push to stay strong in a society that does it differently.

[Niki Kropf · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book houses some good reminders about how to create a meaningful Christmas. It does have a bit of a preachy feel at times and the examples of what churches are doing feels a little bit self-righteous in the way it is written.

[Sadie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great reminder for what the holiday season is really about!!

[Ike Unger · Rating 4 out of 5]

An incredibly easy read but also a much needed reminder.

[Jared Townley · Rating 4 out of 5]

The main concepts and the questions from this book/sermon series are worthy of every individual and church to consider.

[Riley Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read it for church during the Christmas season and it’s a good read for Christmas time

[Hadley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started this book at the beginning of this Christmas season. I think it is a good book for people who want to know more about the true meaning for the Christmas, and learning how to spend less.

[Allie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everybody should read! It’s really talks about how needy and greedy a lot of us r and how much we spoil ourselves

[Tim · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the way to celebrate the incarnation of Jesus although it's hard to get buy-in from others. Good book that is an easy read and deeply thought-provoking.

[Jamie Duggan · Rating 2 out of 5]

I get the concept but I did feel like this was more of a culture about clean drinking water then anything else.

[Shawn · Rating 3 out of 5]

The ideas were great. The book itself was rather repetitive. Sort of like a sermon that went on too long.

[Kelly-Rae · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this worldly way to celebrate Christmas. Looking outward, not inward. Some of it was repetitive, but it didn’t deter from the overall message.

[Bryant Clark · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very useful ideas but the book felt shallow and a little preachy. Could have gone deeper and done more. But still, the underlying idea - or movement- is powerful and is very helpful for rethinking the spirit with which we interact with the Christmas season as people of faith.

[Harry E. Walls, III · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas Jesus-style

Conspiracy is considered a dirty word in many circles, but plotting and planning that is intended to encourage The Church universal to present Jesus during the greatest season to do so is nowhere near “dirty”. It’s simply wonderful!

[Ms. A Macbeth’s bks · Rating 1 out of 5]

Love this book b/c it focuses so nicely on The Incarnation, or Jesus’ entry into the human story. Book really resonates with me b/c the conspirators think international public health projects are the summum bonum of good works; and they do justify their reasons for it on every page of the book. I do not disagree with them - in fact I have a master’s degree in public health so I would be understanding what they are suggesting that people do with Living Water International.