Did you know that last year the U.S. spent $450 billion on Christmas presents?!? I live in Australia and while I know that number for us is considerably less (there are only 20 million of us) we certainly punch above the belt as far as Christmas spending in concerned.

My wife showed me this video last night and it really convicted me to think about the consumerism of Christmas. Not that it's a new thought for me, but this was a real challenge to give presence and not give presents this Christmas. My wife and I have covenanted this Christmas to not buy gifts for anyone but rather donate all of what we would have spent to some local charities and the work of our church.

I know I'm going to have some disappointed family, but after-all, what would Jesus do? The Advent Conspiracy group behind this video are soliciting $10 donations to fight for clean water for everyone, while I'm not associated with them, we are going to donate to them as well and I'd encourage you to do likewise.

For $10 billion we can provide clean water for everyone forever.

May this Christmas be one that we Worship Fully, Spend Less, Give More and Love All.