GPS - Grow, Pray, Study Weekly Guide: Saturday, December 11

Our Advent focus invites us to spend less and give more. Plan to feel the joy of that.

Suggested Activity: Choose a festive container to hold loose change and bills. (Talk about some ways your family can spend less and give more.). Consider eating at home one extra night per week instead of eating out. Maybe you could turn your heat down or turn your lights out when you leave a room. Include the entire family in each effort. Place the money you save into your container. Celebrate that you are spending less on yourselves to give more to others and to Jesus. Give it to one of our communities helping agencies or bring your money to a Christmas Eve service and share it as your offering. Give thanks to God for being able to give.

Prayer: God, in many ways this recession has prepared my heart better for Christmas than the previous years of excess and wealth. I find myself relying more and more on you for sustenance instead of on stuff and money. God, as you have provided for me, help me to reflect on how I, as part of the body of Christ, might be a blessing to others who are struggling this Christmas. Help me to emphasize your presence in this world and in their lives. Amen.