Church Movement Aims to Restore 'Scandal' of Christmas

Churches around the world are joining an emerging international movement to restore the “scandal” of Christmas by observing the holiday more authentically.

The Advent Conspiracy – the name of the movement – calls on churches and their members to give simpler but more thoughtful gifts that foster relationships. Christians are then encouraged to use the money they would have spent on expensive gifts to help the needy around the world.

“It’s called the Advent Conspiracy, because Jesus’ birth - his coming or ‘advent’ – was done in secret, almost hidden,” said Rick McKinley, senior pastor of Imago Dei Community Church in Portland, Ore., and an organizer of the movement. “His coming was scandalous. He didn’t come parading as a king. He didn’t come posturing for power. And he gave himself away to others.

Read more of this story on The Christian Post.