How to Put Christ Back in Christmas #OccupyAdvent #AdventUs

Is the busyness of the season pushing Christ out of Christmas for you, your friends or people in your church?

It’s so easy to get caught up in the shopping, decorating, parties, kids events only to realize on Christmas Eve the entire season of Advent has passed without giving much thought to its real purpose – the hope and anticipation of the coming of Jesus.

Well, there is something we can do to prevent that. And to help others from ending up in the same situation.

Occupy Advent

You may recall the Occupy Wall Street movement from a few years ago, a movement of protests and demonstrations by people who want to “take back” the U.S. economy for average Americans. Around the same time, some Christians decided they wanted to take back the pre-Christmas season for its original purpose using social media and started a movement called Occupy Advent.

While social media is seen by many as a distraction, it can also be used to spark our imagination and reflection on important things.

If you’d like to see some thought-provoking reminders of the true meaning of Christmas to make their way into your social media stream, like the Occupy Advent Facebook Page or follow @OccupyAdvent Twitter.

For more on Occupy Advent, check out…

• What is Occupy Advent? My interview with founder of Occupy Advent, Rev David Hansen
• 10 Ideas for Using Social Media in the Epic Battle for Advent
• The Occupy Advent Facebook group for church leaders who want to collaborate on ideas

While the content Occupy Advent is sharing on Facebook and Twitter will help you reflect and focus on Jesus, sharing and retweeting this content is also a great way to share Jesus with others this season.

What do you think?

• What do you do to reflect on and anticipate Jesus coming during the Christmas season?
• Could Occupy Advent help you and people you’re connected with in social media do that?

Paul Steinbrueck

Co-founder & CEO, OurChurch.Com

Paul has been the CEO of OurChurch.Com since its founding in 1996, combining his passion for faith and technology to lead the organization.

An accomplished writer, Paul has authored over 2,000 articles on faith and technology, featured on platforms like ChurchLeaders.com, The JoyFM, and his personal blog, LiveIntentionally.org.

Beyond his professional achievements, Paul serves as an elder at Journey Community Church and is deeply engaged in his community through his involvement with the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranch and the Safety Harbor Chamber of Commerce. He is a contributing author of the book Outspoken! Conversations on Church Communication.