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This is preparation for holidays that *will* disappoint, rather than holidays that might disappoint. What happens when your Christmas has no resemblance to a Hallmark movie?

This piece is really important for those who are grieving this Christmas. A "blue Christmas" is on the horizon. Then there is growing up in life, arriving in a world where your family is not all around the tree on Christmas morning. 

So, prepare for it! This isn't just preparing for the worst and reacting with joy for those things that exceed our super-low expectations. This is bathing our holidays in the Word and Spirit of the living God!

There is a worksheet that you can access by clicking --> here <-- or access it attached to this piece (below)

You can access the podcast by clicking --> here <--

I have had marvelous Christmases, but I have had some very low ones - particularly during deployments. I wish I had prepared better!

Here are the 6 ideas for preparation (from the worksheet):

1. Feast on the Word. God’s promises nourish weary hearts. Anchor yourself daily by reading, memorizing, or meditating on Scripture.

2. Draw Near in Prayer. Bring your sorrow, disappointment, and longings directly to God, asking him to meet you there. Name the “missing piece” you’re grieving, and express this longing honestly to God.

3. Express Gratitude. Give thanks for God’s presence and provision (through small mercies), even while longing for what feels absent.

4. Offer Worship. Praise God for who he is— unchanging, faithful, and near —even when circumstances are hard.

5. Serve Others. Find small ways to bless others. Service shifts our gaze outward and reminds us to be conduits of Christ’s love.

6. Remember Humility. Acknowledge that you might be the source of someone’s disappointment. It is good to humble ourselves and remember that we are not the only ones who are often frustrated and disappointed.

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