It Looks Like Family, But We’re Fractured | Christmas Behind the Curtain | Week 3

Big Idea: Invite the light of Christ into your family this Christmas.   The perfect outfit for a peaceful family Christmas. PUT ON:  Compassion: a deep sensitivity to the needs and sorrows of others.  Kindness: the action that arises out of empathy.  Humility: the noble choice to use your status and influence for the good of others. Meekness: all your emotional faculties under control.Patience: restraining yourself in the presence of the exasperating conduct of others   A quick survival guide for the dysfunctional family at the holidays.   Keep it simple and use nostalgia as a connecting point.  Manage your expectations.   Consider your boundaries ahead of time and be ready to enforce them.  Don’t try to control everything, be flexible.  Debrief with a trusted friend, or counselor.  Be the change you want to see in your family with no expectations that they’ll come along.    “Here’s My Chance!”   Practicing Solitude Get still. As distraction-free as possible – put everything away including your phone.  Do 10 deep cleansing breaths – with each inhale pray silently “Christ shine your light.” Your mind might run wild but spend the first few moments resting in God’s presence. Read Psalm 139:1-6 multiple times. Read until certain words or phrases feel like they’re being ‘highlighted’ for you.  Ask God what he might be saying to you.  Pray those impressions back to God.