Survivining The Holidays

It has been an incredibly busy month!! And now the Christmas season is upon us in full roar. We have just crossed the ten week mark at Journey Church and things are going well. It has been a great privilege to serve with such a committed group of folks with a real desire to make Jesus known. I have been teaching a series on Surviving the Holidays that I hope helps people keep a even keel in the holiday season.

I have observed that for many the Holidays are awkward times. Difficult family relationships, broken friendships, the feeling of being in a box, the pressure to spend, not to mention the weight gain, are ever present to rob us of the peace of God. I believe that some keys to navigating relational waters starts with understanding who you are in God. If you have accepted Christ, no matter where you have been or what you have done you are forgiven and have right-standng with the creator of the universe. That fact should give as great confidence. Let your identity be rooted in Gods love for you and quite striving for the affirmation of man. Because of the grace given to us we have the opportunity to represent Christ to our family and friends. If we can approach relationships with the mindset of an ambassador we an live above the fray. Ultimately we need to become better lovers of people. Jesus taught us to love our neighbor as he loved them. As we become less self focused in our relationships and serve and love others it has an impact. I know a man that in his youth found Christ and was very out spoken and confrontational in sharing his faith. When he would go to large family gatherings he would contend with his brothers and sisters about becoming Christians. It was quite a wake up call when it was pointed out that he never lifted a finger to help with dishes or any other family chores at Christmas gatherings. He never helped clear a table, or offered to take out the trash. As a result the family was increasingly hostile to the message and the messenger. We have the power to overcome evil with good. With a difficult family member that rubs you the wrong way, be kind. live above the fray.

1. Understand who you are.
2. See this as a time of opportunity. Remember we are Christ’s Ambassadors
3. Becoming a Better Lover
4. Overcome evil with Good