Sustainable Stewardship: Advent Day Nine 09/12/24

Welcome to Day 9 of our Advent journey. Today, we explore our role as stewards of God's creation during the Christmas season. As we prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ, let us consider how we can honour His creation through more mindful celebrations.

The commercialisation of Christmas has created pressing environmental challenges. Recent studies from WRAP (Waste and Resources Action Programme) reveal that during the festive season in the UK, we generate 30% more waste than usual. Approximately 227,000 miles of wrapping paper and 1 billion Christmas cards end up in landfills. Moreover, the British Christmas Tree Growers Association reports that of the 8 million Christmas trees purchased annually, a significant portion aren't properly recycled.

These sobering figures prompt us to consider: How might we celebrate our Saviour's birth whilst being faithful stewards of His creation? The season of Advent presents a perfect opportunity to examine our consumption habits and their impact on the magnificent world entrusted to our care.

Back to Basics

At its heart, Christmas celebrates the extraordinary moment when God became human - when divine love manifested as a tiny baby in a humble manger. It's a story of hope, joy, and God's remarkable plan for reconnection with humanity. Yet modern Christmas often revolves around shopping, parties, and Instagram-worthy decorations. While these can bring joy, they risk overshadowing the season's profound meaning whilst simultaneously harming our environment.

We can reclaim Christmas's true essence through thoughtful celebrations that honour both its spiritual significance and God's creation. Consider handmade gifts, shared experiences, and eco-friendly traditions that connect us to the season's authentic spirit. Let us remember:

The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it (Psalm 24:1).

Genesis 2:15 also reminds us that God placed humans in the garden to "work it and take care of it"—a responsibility that extends to our Christmas celebrations. Whilst Earth isn't our eternal home, we are called to be faithful stewards of God's creation, including how we care for our environment. Consumerism has become deeply entrenched in modern, secular ideas of a good quality of life, but as Pope Francis writes in "Laudato Si":

Christian spirituality proposes an alternative understanding of the quality of life, and encourages a prophetic and contemplative lifestyle, one capable of deep enjoyment free of the obsession with consumption... We need to take up an ancient lesson...it is the conviction that 'less is more.'

Practical Steps Forward

Let's explore three meaningful ways to practise environmental stewardship during the Christmas season:

  1. Mindful Gift-Giving: Transform your approach to presents by embracing the "quality over quantity" principle. Consider creating meaningful experiences rather than buying physical items. If you are buying physical gifts, explore local charity shops or vintage boutiques where unique treasures await, (whilst also giving back to those in need of our charity). 
  2. Nature-Connected: Bring the beauty of God's creation into your celebrations in sustainable ways. Create natural decorations using foraged pine cones, branches, and berries. Start a small herb garden on your windowsill to grow fresh rosemary and sage for Christmas cooking(which is also pretty fun and fulfilling). Take mindful walks in nature during Advent to collect materials for wreaths or centrepieces, using these moments as opportunities for prayer and reflection. You could also start a tradition out of this and get your family and friends involved. This approach helps us stay connected to the natural world God has entrusted to our care whilst reducing our reliance on mass-produced decorations made of harmful materials.

Today's Reflection

  1. How might our Christmas celebrations reflect our role as stewards of God's creation? Consider the ways your current festive practices impact the environment, both positively and negatively.
  2. What would Jesus think about our modern Christmas consumption? Reflect on how our gift-giving and celebrating aligns with His teachings about simplicity and care for others.
  3. In what ways can reducing our environmental impact during Christmas enhance our spiritual experience of the season? Consider how simpler, more sustainable celebrations might bring us closer to the true meaning of Advent.

Your Personal Journey

Remember that sustainable living isn't about perfection - it's about progress. As you reflect on your own Christmas traditions, perhaps there's a cherished tradition you could adapt to be more eco-friendly, or maybe you're feeling called to start a new, sustainable practice. The key is finding ways that resonate with your personal faith journey and family circumstances. Whether you live in a busy city or quiet countryside, have a large family or celebrate alone, there are meaningful ways to incorporate creation care into your Advent season.

Prayer

Dear God,

Thank You for this amazing world You've made! As we prepare for Christmas, help us make choices that protect the Earth - like using less plastic and wasting less food. Show us how to celebrate Your Son's birth in ways that are kind to nature.

Help us remember that the best gifts don't always come in packages and that taking care of Your creation is one way we can show our love for You.

Amen.

Your Personal Invitation

Today I invite you to consider how your Christmas choices affect God's creation. Each sustainable decision - whether choosing a reusable advent calendar or sending e-cards - becomes an act of worship, showing love for both the Creator and His creation.

God bless,

Mel

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