Big Idea: Invite the light of Christ into your family this Christmas.  

The perfect outfit for a peaceful family Christmas. PUT ON: 

1. Compassion: a deep sensitivity to the needs and sorrows of others.  
2. Kindness: the action that arises out of empathy.  
3. Humility: the noble choice to use your status and influence for the good of others. 
4. Meekness: all your emotional faculties under control.
5. Patience: restraining yourself in the presence of the exasperating conduct of others 

A quick survival guide for the dysfunctional family at the holidays.  

1. Keep it simple and use nostalgia as a connecting point.  
2. Manage your expectations.   
3. Consider your boundaries ahead of time and be ready to enforce them.  
4. Don’t try to control everything, be flexible.  
5. Debrief with a trusted friend, or counselor.  
6. 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.