S.1 EP.16 - Refocusing Christmas

Dec 7

Carla shares how she has struggled with Christmas in the past based on trauma - and how she plans to refocus the holiday on the TRUE gift of the season ... God with us.

Key Takeaways:

- Carla shares about her history and controlled trauma-response around Christmas as a kid, trying to create safety and security, and missing out on being present in the season.

- She explores how the Holidays seem to be hard for so many people, void of the joy and filled with stress and consumerism

- Carla asks the question “If I’m tied to my rigid traditions - is that really where my safety & security comes from - what do I actually want out of the holidays? What truly are the holidays about?” and concludes that God is the reason for the season. Christmas originally celebrated that, for the first time since Eden, God would be walking amongst us. Emmanuel is where our safety & security comes from which means:

“You are shielded from the toxicity of others. Y can recognize their pain through grace.”
“You can my change your expectations for your kids - for them to see and understand the power of the Prince of Peace.

- You can’t manufacture peace with aesthetic & tradition - it authentically comes from relationship with God.

- Carla challenges you “Have you inadvertently squeezed God out of Christmas by just checking traditions off your list, or are you really comprehending and celebrating what Christmas means?”

How to practically focus your intentions around the Christmas season:

1. Start your day with prayer and pressing into the heart of God
2. Talk to your kids a little differently about Christmas - talk about Emmanuel!
3. Confidently walk into the season in step with Jesus.
4. Journal why you’re thankful for Emmanuel, God With Us.

If you struggling to let go of anxiety, control, traditions, expecations, and if you struggle with dwelling in grief - there is peace, comfort, and joy in Emmanuel.