Effective time management isn’t just about sticking to a schedule. It’s also about seizing the opportunities that present themselves in season and by surprise.

Do I need to mention that this is the Christmas season of Advent? A time of extraordinary opportunity for worship and service. American Christians are beginning to suspect that their pursuit of stuff, their rush to create additional debt during this time, isn’t really what it’s all about.

Don’t get me wrong. I love the Christian gifting traditions. But the gifting must grow out of worship, out of delight in that greatest of Gifts, Jesus the Messiah himself. When giving springs from contemplation and adoration of Jesus, the whole process is transformed. It begins to lead us deeper into spiritual realities rather than to trap us in shallow consumerism.

The group, Advent Conspiracy, has given this idea some thought. Their challenge is: “Give Presence”. Maybe it will give you some ideas about how to take full advantage of this special time, as well.