The article discusses the annual emergence of Spirit Halloween pop-up stores, which hire around 50,000 workers and generate about $2 billion yearly. Interestingly, Spirit Halloween is expanding into the Christmas market with more stores selling holiday-themed products. However, the author expresses skepticism about the commercialization of Christmas, which overshadows its deeper meaning.
To counter this trend, the author introduces the “Unsettling Advent” devotional series, which began in 2021 and reflects on pressing contemporary issues connected to the Christmas narrative. Each year, different writers contribute insights, exploring themes that resonate with current societal challenges.
The upcoming 2023 series will address:
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Advent in a time of religious nationalism: Reflecting on the intertwining of religion and political power, drawing parallels with historical figures like King Herod.
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Advent in a time of starvation: Discussing access to food and the power dynamics involved, highlighting current issues exacerbated by political decisions.
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Advent in a time of soldiers in the streets: Examining the militarization of communities and the impact on public safety and freedom.
The article invites readers to engage with these reflections, aiming to foster a deeper understanding of Advent in today’s world rather than succumbing to surface-level commercialization. Readers can sign up for daily devotionals beginning November 30.
