By Christian Harvey

It is obvious that Christmas has gone from celebrating the birth of the prince of peace to a celebration of the victory of consumerism.  But how do we talk about it with our teenagers?  Here are a few resources that I have found helpful in starting up conversation around consumerism and Christmas:

What Would Jesus Buy?

A documentary following Rev. Billy and the Church of Stop Shopping as they travel across the U.S. toward the “shopocalypse”!  It is at points hilarious, at times troubling at times incredibly touching.  This film works equally well with adults or with youth, so try something crazy, get parents and youth to watch the film together!

Advent Conspiracy

A movement trying to get Christmas to be less about buying and more about worshiping fully, spending less, giving more, and loving all.  A website full of resources, ideas and stories, this movement to go from buying stuff to solving water issues around the world is something your youth may get excited about.  Check it out here.

Coyote Solstice Tale by Thomas King

One of my favorite children’s books of all time, this funny, touching and beautiful story can be a great way to ease youth into the conversation.  And seriously, who doesn’t love a kid’s book.

Now I know, it is getting really close to Christmas, and though these may be great ideas, it is a bit to late.  Well friends, it turns out that consumerism is not just an issue at Christmas time, but year round.  Here are some non-Christmas related resources.

The Story of Stuff

Shorter then WWJB, this film looks at the impacts of our consumption on the environment and other people.  Done in a very accessible way, this video is a great starting point for discussing the impact of our stuff on our world.  Check it out here.

Last, music video’s can be a great way to start the conversation with your youth.  Here are two that look at consumerism from very different angles.

Wings by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis

One of my youth introduced this video to me.  A song about how the artist was recruited into the movement of consumerism through his shoes.  An amazing song and a powerful video.

I Own You by Wax Tailor ft. Charlie Winston

A really cool video, and an interesting song from the perspective of your stuff.

Consumerism is probably the biggest issue facing our youth and society today.  If we want to help our youth explore the God of Abraham, Moses and Jesus, we are going to have to make them aware of the current God of stuff that demands their allegiance.  If you have any resources, please let us know.

christian Books, Creative Arts, For Leaders, Life Issues, Media, Movies, Music, News, Pop Culture, Resources, Social Issues, Stories and Articles Advent, Christian Harvey, Christmas, Consumerism, God, Resources, Youth Ministry

Awesome video.  We saw it at one of the liturgies at Common Ground (National Youth Ministry Forum) in June 2011.

judy Creative Arts, Liturgy and Worship, Resources Love thy neighbour, Shake Me Up

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Saw this on the blackboard… I liked it.

ps – it’s a line from a Rap featured in ‘Roots Among the Rocks’ – touring Canada in summer 2010.

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I’m 14 and I wrote a poem about God’s expectations that I think many teenagers will relate to. I’d like to share it with other young anglicans.                Stephanie C.

I want to be perfect
How hard do I try?
I look up to Jesus
But am I to die?

I want to be a leader
how far shall I go?
What does faithfulness require?
Will  I ever know?

Despite how much I
try even more,
People are starving,
countries are at war.

What does God want from us
What should we give?
Nothing or everything..
How should we live?

So I ask you oh Lord
to help me today.
Help me be faithful
Please show me the way.

–
Stephanie Calhoun

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Would you like to send…

a photo?

a poem?

your artwork?

a scan of a collage you made?

or other creative work?

Send a .jpg file or .doc file, with a caption or description if you want, to jsteers(at)national.anglican.ca and we’ll post it here.  Your chance to inspire the nation – maybe the world!!

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This evocative poem, which many youth ministers will resonate with, was written by Andrew Horne, a priest in the diocese of Calgary. It is printed here with his permission.

Late at night, after Youth Group

Stef and Eliza curled on the couch
and me sprawled on the carpet below.

We are the Dead, or nearly so
the wounded after battle, condemned

to gravity, no further to fall.
parents have taken the voices home.

the shrill 12-year-old screams, the scheming
of hide-and-seek and capture-the-flag

the pleading for yet more cookies and milk
and, most devastating of all

the audacious innocence of their prayers
echoing. Echoing still. We are

a church emptied of everything
but God. We are the worship afterwards

when the organ pipes have hushed, the lights
switched off, the doors dead-bolted twice

and everyone gone home – but a bird
has been locked inside, unknown to all

but God, rejoicing among the rafters.
Are we the bird, or the almost empty

church, or the feathered fluttering air?
I don’t know. I am tired. It is late.

Stef and Eliza curled on the couch
and me sprawled on the carpet below,

it is late at night, after Youth Group.
In a moment, soon, I will stand, I will say

goodnight to these good friends, and then
refusing a lift, will walk myself home

silent between new-fallen snow
and the mood flirting behind dark clouds

her dance-of-the-seven-veils. I will move
from love, towards my love. I will carry

my mind like a chalice, warm with wine
through this cold night, and will not stumble.

Andrew Horne
Huron College
June 2008

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I wonder if we reflect the image of God like this?

The waters of our lives show that image not quite as sharply, slightly rippled, but in the depth, the stillness and peace one can see reflected the image of creation, and the Creator.  There are most certainly some slightly slimy things under the surface, but that doesn’t limit my capacity to reflect well, if I’m still enough, and I take the time to look.

Sue   -   Ontario

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“Your whole life should be an act of worship for your Father. His holy presence calls us into this lifestyle of worship.”

Photo by Adam

at

Camp Medley, New Brunswick

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Jenn A.           Saskatchewan

Waters of Life

I am standing in a shower of memories.

Moments pouring through my mind.

They are playing out before me.

Or flashing before my eyes.

The feelings swirl together.

As they drain out of sight.

But I know there will be more.

For these are mere drops of the waters of life.

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