real quick…

how about the fact that 25 students came and chose baptism this year!?  we’re excited about that truth and so thankful and excited for God to continue to speak and move in this generation!!

we thought you should know…

Hey Parents.

Seasons Greetings.  Happy Holidays.  Merry Christmas.  Jesus has come…and we’re pumped about that truth!

We wanted to update you on a challenge your high school student has been given this season that has enormous implications…that could prove to be life changing.  We are taking part in a movement called “Advent Conspiracy.”  (you can check out all kinds of information at adventconspiracy.com) This “conspiracy” is one that looks at the Christmas Story and the Christmas Season as not just an opportunity to spend lots and wrap presents and eat lots and get presents…but one that calls people to look at the God behind all this stuff and to be called to worship.  It calls people to see God as the One who has given us the Good Gift of Jesus Christ…the Good Gift of hope…new life…freedom…  And to respond in complete awe of this God…of this Jesus. The Christmas story of Christ, the Savior, King, Redeemer stepping into time calls us to worship and to action.

Americans spend 450 billion dollars on Christmas gifts. Most are tucked away in some corner of the house.  Nothing wrong with giving gifts…we get that it feels good to give…it’s nice to show someone we care…  But 450 billion dollars?  Wow.  Crazy right!?  Another crazy stat to throw out there:  it’s estimated that it would cost 10 billion dollars to SOLVE/CURE/FIX the worlds water problem.

What is the world’s water problem? (note: America is blessed by sanitation systems, water purification, etc…most of the world is not). Nearly 2 million people die a year due to water born illness.  3,900 children die each day due to lack of clean water.

THE CATCH: The Advent Conspiracy is simple…  That by celebrating Christ in a new way this Christmas we (the church) can serve as the leading movement to solving the world’s water problem (see Matthew 25.31-46).  SO.  We are challenging our students to GIVE AND RECEIVE ONE LESS GIFT…one less material possession…and instead give their time…give their presence (relationships).  How many of you would love your high school son or daughter to simply talk to you about their life…what’s important to them…etc. ?  And THEN.  Taking the money that would have been spent on what they would have given or received and putting that toward CLEAN WATER IN HAITI. Northside Christian Church partners with Northwest Haiti Christian Mission (nwhcm.org) to give hope to the poorest region of the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere.

Our hope is to not receive some money…but to shift the heart to celebrate Christ through our lifestyles.  We should respond to Jesus coming to this earth with worship…awe…celebration…and a change in the things that we treasure.  From material possessions…to relationships…from meaningless gifts…to something that is going to make a difference.

We are excited about what Christ has done for the world. We want to continue to share the hope found in Him!

Let us know if you have any questions… There are some very cool stories of middle and high school students who have already asked their parents to not give any presents…but presence…and to take all the money that would have been spend on sweaters and scarves…and put it towards a cause that will bring CLEAN WATER to a place in need…that will support a mission committed to making Christ known in Haiti.

Merry Christmas.

The Rising Staff