The warmth of the summer has faded into the chilly air of the fall season, and that means the holidays are right around the corner. The holiday season can feel complicated - we’re spending more time with extended family, tensions can rise from listening to differing opinions, or maybe a recent loss is making this season hard. Family stress around this time of year is common, but it doesn’t have to steal your joy. Below you’ll find resources you can use to navigate through this season by focusing on God’s ways and work to make it as stress-free as possible.
Practice Being Thankful
Sometimes a great way to fight against stress is to remember all that we have to be grateful for in our lives. Take some time to focus on what God has given you, and let yourself bask in how good he has been.
Prepare Yourself for Tough Conversations
We all wish we could have dinner with our family and not also have to be part of a debate. Sometimes arguments are unavoidable, but you can prepare your heart by remembering that God asks us to honor one another, even when it doesn’t feel deserved.
Check out some of these resources that can help you root yourself in what God says about loving one another:
- 4 Reasons Hurt People Hurt People (and What to Do When it Happens to You) "Hurt people hurt people.” It’s a common phrase that’s meant to placate us when we’re on the receiving end of someone’s damaging words and actions. But do you ever feel like it’s become a passive way to dismiss peoples’ behavior? As followers of Jesus, our responsibility is to treat others with patience and compassion. Understanding where someone’s coming from and why they are the way they are – including why they hurt others – is an essential step.
- How to Handle Conflicting Perspectives As much as we wish we could, it’s impossible to avoid conflict – even with people we care the most about. The good news is conflict doesn’t mean the relationship is doomed! Conflicting perspectives are a part of life, but the way we navigate them with others is what makes or breaks a relationship. The Bible has a lot to say about how to handle conflict with others.
- I Don't Get Along With My In-Laws - What Do I Do? No matter how long you’ve been married, it can be challenging to navigate relationships with in-laws. Yet, honoring family ties is essential to maintaining a healthy marriage. Here's some advice for husband and wife on making marriage work while navigating in-law relationships.
Pray
God wants to know what’s going on in our hearts - whether it’s joy, frustration, grief, or anxiety about the holiday season. Take intentional time to pray and tell him what you’re feeling, and ask him to be with you as you enter into potentially stressful situations.
If you’re not sure where to start, check out a few Bible Reading Plans to guide you:
- 7 Days of Prayer - Encouragement & Unity in this Season Pray about everything. Those three words can be a lifeline – especially when they become a habit. Throughout this season, many of us are seeking help with managing anxiety, fatigue, family tension, anger, and loneliness. In light of that, we want to give you the tools you need to provide hope and encouragement for all the things you may be feeling right now.
- Grateful to God (5-Day Bible Reading Plan) Life is full of challenges and setbacks as well as joys and triumphs. No matter what’s going on in your life right now, ground yourself in these 5 characteristics of God that we can give thanks for every day.
LCBC stands for Lives Changed By Christ, and we are one church in multiple locations across Pennsylvania. Join us for Christmas At LCBC, happening December 21-24 in-person and online! Visit ChristmasAtLCBC.com to learn more.